Czech Centre London Marks Baťa Anniversary with Exhibition on Architecture and Community
Exploring Baťa’s Social Vision
April 14th, 2026
The Czech Centre London, in collaboration with the Tomáš Baťa Foundation and the Bata Heritage Centre, is presenting the exhibition Desire to Create: Baťa’s Architecture of Belonging at the Vitrínka Gallery from 10 April to 12 June 2026. The exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of Tomáš Baťa, founder of the global Baťa Shoe Company, offering an in-depth exploration of his industrial, social and architectural legacy.
The exhibition examines how Baťa’s philosophy extended beyond business into a holistic vision of community life. Through the “Desire to Create” strand, visitors are introduced to his guiding principles, which combined enterprise with education, and individual development with collective responsibility. Rather than presenting Baťa’s ideas as historical artefacts, the exhibition positions them as a continuing source of inspiration for contemporary discussions on sustainable communities and socially responsible business practices.
The second strand, “Baťa’s Architecture of Belonging,” focuses on the development of East Tilbury, where Baťa’s ideas were translated into a modernist urban environment. Architectural drawings, historical photographs and original artefacts illustrate how concepts of work, health, culture and leisure were embedded into the built environment. The exhibition highlights how planning and design were used to create a cohesive and supportive community, reflecting broader trends in early 20th-century industrial and social innovation.
Beyond its historical focus, the exhibition represents a form of cultural diplomacy by connecting Czech industrial heritage with British local history. By foregrounding East Tilbury—a site of shared significance—the initiative strengthens cultural ties between the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, while contributing to broader European conversations on heritage, urbanism and social development. It also situates Baťa’s legacy within a transnational framework, reflecting the global reach of his enterprise and ideas.
In conclusion, Desire to Create: Baťa’s Architecture of Belonging offers a nuanced perspective on the intersection of industry, architecture and society. Through its dual focus on philosophy and practice, the exhibition not only honours Tomáš Baťa’s legacy but also reinforces the role of cultural institutions in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and long-term collaboration between nations.
