The 'Mad Silkman' exhibition chronicles the remarkable careers of Zika and Lida Ascher, a visionary Czech couple who achieved international acclaim in textiles and fashion. Learn about their origins in Prague before WWII, their successful venture in London, and their global impact. The exhibit highlights their iconic Ascher Squares, created with artists like Henri Matisse, and their influence on major fashion houses, bringing their significant contributions to light.
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This exhibition explores the remarkable careers of Zika and Lida Ascher, a Czech couple who achieved international acclaim in textiles and fashion. It delves into their story, which began in Prague before WWII and continued in London and Paris, showcasing their collaborations with renowned artists and designers.
The exhibition 'Mad Silkman: Zika and Lida Ascher – Textiles and Fashion' chronicles the influential journey of Zika and Lida Ascher, whose story began in Prague just before World War II. They established a successful textile company in London, renowned for its high-quality designs and printing. Zika Ascher famously commissioned leading artists of the era, including Henri Matisse, Henry Moore, and Alexander Calder, to create designs for luxurious silk scarves known as the Ascher Squares. These collaborations, exhibited globally and shown in Prague in 1947, cemented their glittering career. For decades, Ascher fabrics graced the collections of the world's most famous fashion houses, such as Christian Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent, and were frequently featured in top fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Zika Ascher was a visionary innovator, legendary for his revolutionary approach to bringing design and fine art together in textiles. His daring style, both on and off the ski slopes (where he was dubbed the 'Mad Silkman'), mirrored his bold business ventures. Lida Ascher played an integral role in the company's success, contributing to their enduring legacy. Though celebrated internationally, their significant contributions were largely forgotten in their homeland until this exhibition. The exhibition design is by artist Pavel Mrkus, with contributions from the Ascher Family Archive, Manchester Art Gallery, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and Musée Matisse. A bilingual book accompanies the exhibition, and Czech Television is producing a documentary on the couple.
Admission details are provided for the Museum of Decorative Arts. Full admission is CZK 150, concession is CZK 80, and family admission is CZK 250. Opening hours are Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.
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