Rafael Photo Studio in Brno marks historical anniversaries

The Rafael Photo Studio in Brno is marking significant historical anniversaries. It has been 140 years since the death of its founder, Karel František Klíč, who established the studio in 1864.

In November, the city will also mark 100 years since the death of his son, Karel Václav Klíč, who is credited with inventing the groundbreaking intaglio printing technique. The studio, which operated for generations, was one of Brno’s most prominent photographic institutions, offering services in portraiture, oil painting, and lithography.

At its peak, the business expanded to several locations, including Prostějov, Kroměříž, Vyškov, and Rosice. The studio’s success was bolstered by photographing soldiers during the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, allowing the family to build a specialized facility for their craft.