
Tomáš Lamač
(6. 1. 1978)
The engraver and medal designer Tomáš Lamač is a true master of his
craft. The focal point of his work in the numismatic field lies mainly in
modifications of coin dies, which he prepares for their final use. Apart
from this, however, he also devotes himself to decorative engraving of
knives, daggers and firearms. Lately, he has been more and more often
returning to the production of plaster models for new commemorative
coinage. A native from Jablonec nad Nisou, Tomáš Lamač showed his incredible
sense for detail and fine work for instance on a medal dedicated
to the Slovak city of Košice (2013, Prague Mint), where he excellently put
to use his experience from engraving. He finds a counterbalance to the demanding
engraving and medal-making work in leisure sport. He indulges
especially in high mountain trekking, but he also loves cycling or trips on
cross-country skis in winter.
Tomáš Lamač studied the Secondary School of Applied Arts and the
Higher Technical School in Jablonec nad Nisou, where he also lives and
works. His sister is the famous Czech medal maker and teacher Petra
Lamačová-Čánská.
INTERVIEW
When did you firmly decide to become an engraver?
It was during my study as I was gradually learning about engraving and found
out that I really enjoyed this work. As a result of this I decided to continue at
the Higher Technical School where it was a narrow specialization in minted
medals and coins.
Which work in your career do you consider the most difficult?
Maybe, I would mention a hunting knife which I produced and embellished
with an engraving on my own initiative. The work itself took about one month.
Concerning my recent works, I consider the embellishment of the gun bearing
the designation ZH as my best. Engraving of weapons is generally quite
demanding and it requires great concentration. However, work on themes for
medal designs is not easy either, although the nature of the creative work is
slightly different.
Czech coin and medal production has witnessed extraordinary boom
in the last years. How do you see the level of the Czech production?
I think the level is very high and it can be compared with the best production
in the world. The reason for this is because fortunately we have a great many
excellent artists, whether it is Vladimír Oppl, late Jiří Harcuba, whose work I like
a lot, or other brilliant artists. The high level of the Czech medal production
rests on these masters.