The Centre for Folk Art Production, Bratislava [Ústredie ľudovej umeleckej výroby ÚĽUV]

ÚĽUV was established as a national organization in 1945, with its headquarters in Prague and an important branch in Bratislava. In 1948, it was merged with the Czechoslovak Werkbund. The institution’s aims were to support traditional crafts and artisanal production, to undertake research, documentation, and publishing, and also to develop business activities. Especially in the 1950s to 70s, ÚĽUV worked closely with designers and did much more than simply promote the country’s traditional crafts. It had its own design studio, with professional artists specializing in particular areas like textiles, clothing, ceramics, furniture, home accessories, and souvenirs. They designed limited editions based on traditional materials, techniques, and patterns, but geared to contemporary needs and sold in specialized shops. Important designers who worked for ÚĽUV included Václav Kautmann, Viktor Holešťák-Holubár, and Stanislav Koreň.