The tapestry dedicated in memory of President Václav Havel was ceremoniously unveiled today
The unique tapestry dedicated by world-famous artists as a tribute to the memory and legacy of Václav Havel was ceremoniously unveiled today at the Václav Havel Airport Prague.
On Sunday 9 December at 3:00 p.m. an original large format tapestry designed by Czech artist Petr Sis and woven by masters in the field in French Aubusson was unveiled at the Václav Havel Airport Prague. The tapestry of respectable dimensions – 5 x 4.25 metres – was donated to the Dagmar and Václav Havel VIZE 97 Foundation, which has loaned it to the Václav Havel Airport Prague, where it will be displayed in Terminal 2.
The ceremony included presentations by Mrs. Dagmar Havlová, project initiator Bill Shipsey of the Art for Amnesty organization, the campaign and communication director of Amnesty International Thomas Schulz-Jagow and Prague Airport director Jiří Pos. The actual act itself of unveiling the tapestry was symbolically performed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg, who also gave Mr. Shipsey a gift for Yoko Ono Lennon, Bono, The Edge, Peter Gabriel and Sting, who financed the tapestry. David Černý created the guitar-shaped gift. Furthermore, honorary guests included the tapestry’s designer Petr Sís and master weavers Daniel Bayle and René Duché, for whom this tapestry also represents the culmination and conclusion of years of artistic work. Two hundred special guests from the ranks of Czech and foreign artists and prominent public figures attended the ceremony.
This artefact is a tribute to the memory and legacy of Václav Havel. It was initiated by the founder of the organization Art for Amnesty International Bill Shipsey on behalf of Amnesty International and it was supported by five international artists – Bono Vox and The Edge from U2, Peter Gabriel, Sting and Yoko Ono Lennon.
Photo: Jana Pertáková
