Porcelain figurine, 1958, designed by Henryk Jędrasiak, Photo: Arkadiusz Podstawka / National Museum in Wrocław
A broad presentation of porcelain pieces surveys the characteristic style of Poland's evolution in the decorative arts and the development of an innovative form and abstract pattern
The exhibition focuses not only on the masters of the craft, those who created tea sets that achieved and maintained cult status through the decades, but also surprising gems created in the state-run factories in Wałbrzych, Jaworzyna Śląska, Chodzież, Ćmielów, Bogucice, Pruszków, Tułowice, Włocławek and the privately-owned Steatyt factory in Katowice.
The New Look style refers to the style that first appeared in the interwar period and was developed through the 150s. It reached Poland shortly before the political 'thaw' of 1956, ushering in new biomorphic forms, strong colours and patterns, as well as asymmetrical compositions in the realm of the decorative arts.
As the vision of artisans evolved, so did the public's and porcelain works became more and more interesting in spire of political and economic constraints under communism. Poland's New Look had a rather simple expression, mainly through new forms and abstract patterms that were called 'picassos' after the painter whose abstract style was an inspiration for many artists.
The current exhibition presents 200 objects, including the famous Dorota coffee service designed by Lubomir Tomaszewski and the popular tableware sets known as Iza (Chodzież), Julia (Wałbrzych) and Kajtek (Porcelit factory in Pruszków). Apart from functional pieces, there are also porcelain figurines of people and animals that were lively and stylish - not your average knick-knacks.
Curator: Dr. Barbara Banaś
The exhibition runs between the 27th of February - 1st of April, 2012
National Museum in Wrocław
pl. Powstańców Warszawy 5
50-153 Wrocław
For more information, see: www.en.mnwr.art.pl
Thumbnail credit: Iza coffee set, 1959, designed by: Józef Wrzesień, Porcelit Factory in Chodzież. Photo: Arkadiusz Podstawka / Muzeum Narodowe we Wrocławiu