The Havlíčkův Brod Gallery has prepared an exhibition for Reynek's Petrkov

Havlíčkův Brod - The Gallery of Fine Arts in Havlíčkův Brod has exceptionally included a reminder of the chateau in Petrkov, located in the Havlíčkobrodsko region, which belongs to the family of poet Bohuslav Reynek, in its exhibition plan. The chateau is for sale, and the state is considering its purchase. The exhibition will be accessible from Friday until September 13. Hana Nováková, the director of the gallery, told ČTK.

"This is in connection with the rescue of Petrkov, which is for sale; there was also a petition, and it is being discussed whether the state will be interested in purchasing it and whether it will remain preserved for culture or not. We wanted to support it," said Nováková.

The exhibition at the Old Town Hall will feature photographs by Daniel Reynek, which capture the nooks of the house in Petrkov. Daniel is the son of the poet and artist Bohuslav Reynek. "It is supplemented with photographs by Jiří Škoch, who was friends with Mr. Bohuslav Reynek and would go there to photograph," said Nováková.

Most of the exhibited works are borrowed. The gallery owns only some of Škoch's photographs, which it usually displays on the occasion of Reynek's anniversaries. "Next year marks 50 years since his death, and 2022 is the anniversary of his birth; I believe there will be exhibitions then, this year it is merely a reaction to the current situation. We wanted to show the charm of the Petrkov chateau through the photographs," said Nováková.

The poet, graphic artist, and translator Reynek (1892 to 1971) lived in the Petrkov house with his wife, the French poet and translator Suzanne Renaud, and their sons, photographer Daniel and translator Jiří. The family is selling the heritage-protected property. The real estate agency did not disclose the asking price.

In May, the Ministry of Culture stated that it would strive to purchase the estate if it could obtain funds beyond the budget of the ministry. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said during his June visit to Hořice in the Pelhřimov region that it is likely one of the priorities of Minister of Culture Lubomír Zaorálek (ČSSD), which he could support. The chateau could be operated by the Memorial of National Literature.