Kamenický Šenov, a small town in the north of Czech Republic, became a place of an extraordinary event in September 1996. On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the oldest glass school in the world the 1st International Symposium of Engraved Glass was organized here. More than fifty efficient participants from Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Australia, Panama, USA, Japan, Norway, Great Britain and Esonia. met at a common work and discussion. Contenporary engraved glass, presented by prominent artists and museum leaders as well; there were almost fifty of them presentthere. The region of Kamenický Šenov, connected in the consciousness of glass experts with the image of engraved glass, was determined for such an undertaking by its historical context a long time ago. The glass engravers worked here since the 17th century. Just at this place a glass school was founded in 1856, for dozens of years the the influence of L. Lobmeyr and later of his nephew Stefan Rath was very favourable. The reminder of this tradition and the problems of further development of engraved glass became a stimulation for organizing this symposium. The main aim pointed in advance was the presentation of glass engraving as one of the most pretentious and the most beatutiful techniques, and this was supported by mutual exchange of ideas and experience of participants and by dicovering new dimension of this royal refining technique. This intensive work and cooperation that lasted for a week put the stress on the fact, that the common work of artists and craftsmen is very important for the future of engraved glass. An idea and an artistic form that reflects the image and motion of our contemporary life can be realised only by creative hand of a skiful craftsman. The works that expressed life's feelings and attitudes of their authors were exhibited for all interested persons at the Glass Museum in Kamenický Šenov and at the become a testimony of their time and a document of the 1st International Glass Symposium of Engraved Glass in Kamenický Šenov.