Atelier J. Mulač

Jan Mulač's photography studio was at the pinnacle of Prague's scene, particularly in the 1880s and 1890s, catering mainly to artists and ardent patriots. His greatest contribution was his close collaboration with the Provisional and National Theatres, as well as with both Czech and international concert performers. He also moved in the social circles of Vojta Náprstek, the Frič family, and others. His nephew, Josef Mulač, continued his uncle's work, and it is thanks to him that at least part of Jan Mulač's extensive archive of negatives has been preserved, supplemented by his own important negatives. The book brings together several thousand negatives and positives from the collections of the National Museum, the Literary Archive of the Museum of Czech Literature, the National Theatre Archive, and other archives, museums, and private collections. In many cases, these have never been published or correctly identified before. It also offers new insights into the history of the studio and its locations.

Jan Mulac’s photographic studio represented the top of Prague at a certain period, especially in the 1880s and 1890s, mainly for artists and avid patriots. Jan Mulac’s greatest contribution was his close collaboration with the Provisional and National Theatre, as well as with concert performers both domestic and foreign. In addition, he moved in social circles around Vojta Náprstek, the Frič family, etc. Josef Mulač consciously continued the work of his uncle and his main merit is the preservation of at least part of the many thousands of Jan Mulac’s negatives, supplemented by important negatives of his own. The book brings together several thousand negatives and positives from the collections of the National Museum, the Literary Archive of the Memorial of National Literature, the Archive of the National Theatre and other archives, museums and private collections. In many cases they have not yet been published or correctly identified. Brings new insights into the history of the studio and its residences.