Desire to Create: Baťa’s Architecture of Belonging

A new exhibition marking 150 years since the birth of Tomáš Baťa opens this April at the Vitrínka Gallery in Notting Hill. It explores the achievements and visionary philosophy of the Czech entrepreneur, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of globalisation thanks to a business model far ahead of its time. Focusing on the British “Bata-ville” in East Tilbury, the exhibition shows how Baťa’s modernist planning integrated work with all aspects of social life to form a cohesive system. This approach not only supported factory workers and their families, but also strengthened the Baťa enterprise as a whole.

The exhibition unfolds in two complementary strands. Desire to Create presents Baťa’s legacy as a comprehensive philosophy, uniting work with service, enterprise with education, and personal development with responsibility towards others - not as a relic of the past, but as a continuing source of inspiration. Baťa’s Architecture of Belonging brings East Tilbury to life through architectural drawings, historic photographs and original artefacts, evoking its distinctive modernist atmosphere. Together, they trace how ideas were translated into built form - from vision to planning, from planning to everyday life - creating a cohesive narrative of belonging, work and community.

As they learn about Baťa’s vision, visitors are invited to reflect on how design continues to shape our sense of belonging today.

To complement the exhibition, the Czech Centre will hold a panel discussion titled Designed to Belong: Modernism, Industry and Community. Chaired by journalist John Tusa, the talk takes place on 11 June 2026 and is part of this year’s London Festival of Architecture.

Where: Vitrínka Gallery, Czech Centre, London, W8 4QY

When: 10 April - 12 June 2026

Private View: Thursday 9 April, 6.30-8.30 - members of the public welcome

Opening Hours: Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm

FREE ENTRY

Venue details