02.02.2006
Jiri Pelcl will be awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his international contribution to design and to design education at the university's awards ceremony on 10 February.
Pelcl (pictured right), is Rector of the Prague Academy of Art, Architecture and Design and through his work as Rector, practising designer and writer, is recognised throughout cultural and creative circles.
In 1987, Pelcl became a founder member of the postmodernist group Atika, who reacted strongly against the restrictive nature of design in a socialist state. Their first exhibition, in Prague, proved highly controversial with conservative critics and this led to the group's work being exhibited in other countries and drew attention to new wave Czech design.
In 1990, Pelcl established his own architecture and design, Atelier Pelcl and has had his design work exhibited in the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands
He has made a valuable contribution to Czech art, architecture and design education. He has authored a number of books and has won a number of prestigious awards, including the Grand Prix award of the Society of Czech Architects for the renovation of the Gustav Mahler House in Kaliste.
Recently, Pelcl has been working with Professor Jonathan Woodham on an exhibition, Czech Design Icons, which opened in the University of Brighton Gallery and the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery last November.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
