The project was inspired by the
author’s fascination with old and found photographs. Mugs made in Czechoslovakia between the 1930s–1980s had always been an integral part of our grandmothers’ kitchenware, and they served as Gabriel’s medium. By means of a special technology, a photograph is hidden on the inside of the mug, and it gradually becomes developed through interacting with tea. “I was always fascinated by old photographs, by the impossibility of discovering any information about the people depicted. We can say the same thing about second-hand objects sold at various antique shops. I got the idea to connect these two things, and thus imbue them with a story.”

Gabriel Vach (* 1976) is one of the most experienced designers specializing on porcelain work. He uses this fragile material as a tool for narrating strong, poetic concepts which he imprints into everyday objects – plates, mugs or bowls. He has collaborated with the Český Porcelán Dubí, Thun 1794 and Křehký. Together with Antonín Tomášek, he directed
the Whitefruits studio (2005–2010). He has been shaping the Hidden Factory studio along with Eva Pelechová for over ten years, and has directed the Ceramic Design Studio at The University of West Bohemia in Pilsen for just as long. He graduated from the Secondary Art School of Bechyně, the Pedagogical Faculty of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, and later from the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague.