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Czech designer, architect Borek Sipek dies at age 66

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FILE - In this May 10, 2004 file picture , renowned Czech artist, designer and architect Borek Sipek, right, and former Czech President Vaclav Havel smile at European Union enlargment´s celebrations in Brussels, Belgium. Borek Sipek, Czech architect and designer best known in his country for his work for late President Vaclav Havel has died. He was 66. Prague’s Vaclav Havel Library announced his death Saturday. No cause was given but he was recently battling a pancreas cancer. . (AP Photo,CTK/Michal Krumphanzl) SLOVAKIA OUT

PRAGUE – Borek Sipek, Czech architect and designer best known in his country for his work for late President Vaclav Havel has died. He was 66.

Prague’s Vaclav Havel Library announced Sipek’s death Saturday. No cause was given but he was recently battling pancreas cancer.

Sipek emigrated from communist Czechoslovakia after the 1968 Soviet-led invasion that crushed the liberal reforms known as the Prague Spring. He studied architecture in Germany before establishing a studio in the Netherlands.

He co-operated with a number of brands, including Driade, Wittmann, Swarovski, Leitner, Quartet, Vitra, Sevres, Saint-Gobain and Rosenthal.

After the 1989 anti-Communist Velvet Revolution led by Havel, his friend, Sipek became the chief architect at the Prague Castle, the seat of presidency. There he created chandeliers, furniture and some new entrances.

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