We already knew Václav Holer from the early days. Back in 2009, when we opened the tender for the Metal Trail information panels, he came to the Information Centre for more information. At that time, he decided not to take part in the tender. That is why we were able to offer him the post of an adviser on the Selection Committee. When we asked him to attend the Metal Symposium in 2015, he showed us some of his works, and we quickly reached an agreement.
When he arrived on the first day, he surprised us, as he did not come alone, but brought a skilled helper, Lukáš Buchta, with him. Together they got down to work. Although Václav Holer had some parts of the statue prepared in his own workshop, the work was too complicated and he could not finish it during the Symposium. Václav Holer therefore offered to finish it in his workshop, to which we agreed. Unfortunately, at that time, trench digging had started in the street where he lived and there were frequent power outages. That is why he arranged with the Industrial School to finish the work there. It was ready within one week. Today, citizens and visitors to Mladá Boleslav can admire the beautiful metal Czech lion in the communication corridor of the Claudian hospital.
Its creator made it in memory of Josef Nastoupil, his teacher and friend, artist-blacksmith, philosopher, humanist and a great man.
Find the artwork on GPS 50.4176875N, 14.9106219E
For more information on this artist see:
https://www.facebook.com/vaclavholer.steeldredam.1