The Svjetionik craft deals with the sale and production of replicas of old maps and angels of sentiments, as well as standard souvenirs including cups, magnets, Christmas ornaments. Željko Ćosić, the owner of “Svjetionik” is mostly proud of the replicas of the old maps which he has on offer. 

“We produce replicas of old Croatian and World maps by the method of oleography, which is printing on parchment paper then coated with wax, that is proved to be the best traditional method for protection against moisture. We offer maps with over a thousand designs. These are all original maps that we are finishing up in the Photoshop. From the 15th to the 17th, 18th century, all  maps were visual and later, when the possibility of serious measurement arose, they became geodetic. Before, people drew how they remembered things or by some of their experiences and ideas”, Ćosić says and reveals which maps are the most sought after”.

“Fifteen years ago, maps of Croatia were the most popular, while today, maps of the world are more popular. There are many countries and motives on offer. The most sought after is the map of the world, and some of the most loved ones are some specialised maps such as the map of Marco Polo’s journey. The maps of Russia and Asia are also in great demand. The dimensions of the maps are standard 70×50, larger ones can be made – 45×32 and A4 format.”

Ćosić is the founder of the Angels of Sentiment: “I have worked with several authors, and one of them is Ela Svilan, who also makes angels. From this collaboration my type of angel emerged and then I came up with the idea that they express certain feelings. First there were eight trial angels, and now there are 52 of them. Not all of them are feelings but also some experiences are expressed. I apply them to magnets, wooden surfaces, mugs and paintings.”