The Friends of Czech Heritage: keeping you informed about our activities
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Talk by Sir John Tusa on 8th April 2025 in the Czech Embassy, London
'A Life in Bat'a Modernism - Straight Lines, Flat Roofs & Planned Communities'
Sir John Tusa's talk on the life and work at Bata's factories and communities in Zlín in Moravia and East Tilbury in England attracted a full house. Sir John's father ran the factory in East Tilbury. The audience included two former UK ambassadors to the Czech Republic, and the architect Eva Jiřičná CBE RA, patron of The Friends: her father was one of Bata's architects. Present were several other people whose lives have been touched by Bata. Sir Michael Burton, UK ambassador 1994-97, has a direct link to Bata and Zlín, having married the daughter of a Bata executive. After the talk with its slide presentation, there followed a fascinating discussion.
Photograph from left to right: Eva Jiřičná CBE RA, former UK ambassadors to the Czech Republic Nick Archer (2018-22) and Sir Michael Burton, with Sir John Tusa. Photograph © Tom Sommerlad
