Czech Women’s Production Association

Architect: Josef Blecha

Year of completion: 1895

One of the key events in the journey of Czech women towards emancipation was the establishment of the Czech Women’s Production Association in 1871. In contrast to other women’s associations such as the American Ladies’ Club, primarily associated with wealthier classes, the Czech Women’s Production Association aimed to reach out to the poorest. Its significant ambition and goal were to improve the fate of women so that they could support themselves, take care of their children, manage money, and not be dependent on men. Under the auspices of the association, a craft and trade school was opened for these women, initially operating in the building of a former elementary school on Spálená Street. Soon, due to unprecedented success and a good financial situation, there were considerations for constructing their own building. During Eliška Krásnohorská being in charge, the association acquired a plot of land in 1894 from the decommissioned St. Wenceslas Prison and approached architect Josef Blecha for the design.

The newly constructed corner building is built in the style of Neo-Renaissance and besides its rich décor, it is particularly notable for three important details located in the central bay. In semicircular niches between the windows of the first and second floors, there are busts of women representing the presidents of the association: Emílie Bártová, Karolina Světlá, and Eliška Krásnohorská. Above them, there is the name of the Women's Production Association, and at the very top of the triangular pediment, there is the date 1896, indicating the year of the school's opening.

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