From the Archives: Artists for Lidice

  • May—Nov 1967

  • Lidice Cultural House and Nelahozeves Chateau

  • Alvarez Carlos H., Aulie Reidar, Ayrton Michael, Bartosch Jubel, Becker Ludwig, Berthier Jean, Bitzan Ion, Blake Peter, Blake Peter, Bornfriend Jacob, Borsos Miklos, Bowyer William, Braat Leendert Johan Pieter, Braat Maaike, Bradut Cavaliu, Breuer Florian, Buhler Robert, Lafoucrierre Pierre, Carzou Jean, Carzou Jean, Carzou Jean, Csohány Kálmán, Cucconi Lia Baraldi, Cucconi Lia Baraldi, Cucconi Lia Baraldi, Dahl Chrix, Degner Artur,

The historic Artists for Lidice exhibition marked an extraordinary beginning to what would become a globally significant art collection. Opening in 1967—just six months after Sir Barnett Stross's impassioned letter calling for artistic solidarity—the exhibition revealed how deeply the Lidice tragedy resonated across creative communities worldwide.

  • B&W photo from displaying three pieces of art. On the left is a framed drawing, in the center is an abstract painting with rounded shapes, and on the right is a textured abstract artwork. A sculpture bust is displayed on a pedestal to the right.
  • Black and white photo of an art gallery with sculptures and paintings displayed, including a stone sculpture of a child holding a baby, and a person walking in the background.
  • Two men in suits stand on the upper floor of Lidice Culture House (now Lidice Gallery). They are conversing during the opening of Artists for Lidice in 1967. One man is holding a microphone. Paintings are on the walls around them.

This outpouring of artistic support took representatives from the Lidice Council and Central Bohemian Gallery aback. Suddenly entrusted with a collection that materialised almost overnight, these administrators faced the unexpected but profound responsibility of preserving these works for future generations. What emerged was more than an exhibition—a visual conversation between artists processing collective trauma and questioning art's role in memorialising tragedy. Through diverse styles and perspectives, from socialist realism to the more experimental approaches of groups like Trasa, these works began weaving the visual language that would help generations remember Lidice's story.

  • Black and white photo of an abstract art exhibit with a painting and modern sculpture
  • Black and white photo of an art gallery with paintings on the walls. The gallery features several framed artworks and displays on tables. The floor is made of stone tiles.
  • An art gallery exhibit featuring framed abstract drawings, small sculptures of humanoid figures with raised arms, and a textured stone sculpture on a pedestal. The drawings vary in content, including figures and abstract forms.

This inaugural exhibition planted the seeds for a collection that would grow across decades. It embodies how art can transform remembrance into an ongoing dialogue, where intimate engagement with historical wounds creates a passionate commitment to never forgetting.