2017

Irena Jachowicz-Wróblewska announces her retirement. Grzegorz Szandrowski becomes the new Vice-President of the Board of Directors. Małgorzata Nazar assumes the position as the Cooperative’s main technologist.

Due to the growing demand for ceramic items, the Cooperative made numerous investmenys, some of which include building and operating the second furnace to fire semi-manufactured articles, the addition of a painting division, employing 35 skilled artists, purchasing a plot of land with an area of 0,1240 ha, located on T. Kościuszki Street to create a parking lot for employees vehicles. The company spends PLN 3,8 million for these enhancements from its own financial resources.

Regarding the trade and exhibition, the Cooperative begins to participate in the prestigious International Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt am Main. The Cooperative also participates at the fair: “Z Bolesławieckiej gliny”, at the Polish Institute in Roma and in Faenza, the Italian ceramics city. The company receives a proposal from Mr. Jacek Opała, a sculptor from Bolesławiec, to decorate his sculptures with special unique decorations created by Teresa Liana and Maria Starzyk. Their works are presented at the Society For Artist Gallery in Chicago in the USA. Because of the popularity of the Cooperaive?s items in the Korean market, the Korean TV Lotte Homeshopping network broadcasts a video at the Cooperative’s stand during the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt. In the quarterly “Ambiente”, the Cooperative publishes the newest decoration line from the Limited Edition series with artistic achievements of Mariusz Ochocki. The modern bowls from this collection, created by Mariusz Ochocki, and hand painted in the unique decorations designed by Teresa Liana and Maria Starzyk, receive the title of the finalist of the year 2017 IDI (IWP). These are presented at the “Dobry Wzór” exhibition in the Industrial Design Institute in Warsaw. The exhibition catalogue featured an expert?s opinion from IDI : “Bowls with simplified, minimalist shapes were covered with a decoration slightly refreshing the current repertoire of graphic motifs traditionally used in Bolesławiec. Thanks to the modernized form, the whole collection seems more contemporary than products that are associated with Bolesławiec. (…) It is good, that traditional white dots do not stop designers to experiment – and how successful !.” The Cooperative establishes a cooperation with Akademia Sztuk Pięknych (The Academy of Fine Arts) in Cracow to implement student internships in the factory.

At the invitation from the Cooperative’s authorized distributor, REACCENT company, “Ceramika Artystyczna” organizes the display of decorative ceramics in prestigious shopping centres in Tokyo and Osaka. For the duration of five days, Mrs. Teresa Liana demonstrated the art and skill decorating to customers in Japan. Mrs. Joanna Rejdych, deputy of trade and marketing, Mrs. Teresa Liana, designer of decorations and Mr. Michitada Futami, president of REACCENT company hold a meeting with Mr. Jacek Izydorczyk, ambassador RP at the Polish embassy in Tokyo.

At the Cooperative, a ceramics painting demonstration is organized for the American soldiers stationed in Boleslawiec. This event is broadcast on TVN24 and TVN breaking news.

At the Tourist Information Centre in Bolesławiec, the Cooperative presents advertising materials and an exposition of new products. During the Ceramic Festival, the Cooperative organizes “The Ceramic Garden – Four Seasons”, where in addition to the sale of ceramic products, there are various presentations demonstrating the artistic skills for designing and decorating ceramics. Special meetings with the design artists Teresa Liana, Maria Starzyk, Maryla Iwicka, Jacek Chyła, Mariusz Ochocki and Krzysztof Szpila, the main model maker, are the highlight of this event for many customers from Poland and numerous other countries. During the opening of “The Garden…” a group of employees organizes the display of hand made costumes, portraying the four seasons. These were esteemed by a jury during a ceramic parade at the Ceramic Festival.

The Cooperative publishes an illustrated catalogue created and written by Paulina Stefańczyk, presenting 25 years of the artistic achievements of Mariusz Ochocki.
At the end of this year, the number of employees was 428.

2016

The construction and commissioning of the modern furnace from the German company GRUN for firing semi-manufactured articles was completed. The tunnel furnace after 29th years of activity was disassembled and extinguished.

Implementation to the production of 45 new forms designed by Mariusz Ochocki, which included containers, a plate for pizza, dishes, bowls and small vases was underway. In addition, 116 new unique and traditional decorations were introduced.
A highly decorative painting collection from The Limited Edition series is designed. These unique pieces are signed with the names of the designers : Teresa Liana, Maria Starzyk, Maryla Iwicka, Irena Mączka and Jacek Chyła.

The Cooperative published two illustrated catalogues created and written by Paulina Stefańczyk, presenting artistic achievements of Teresa Liana and Maria Starzyk.

Cooperative designs were presented at the group exhibition “Z bolesławieckiej gliny” in the Ceramic Museum in Boleslawiec. New designs of Mariusz Ochocki, Teresa Liana and Maris Starzyk are presented at the exhibition in the City Museum in Sierpc, in BOK – MCC in Bolesławiec. A substantial collection of the company design are exhibited in the Natural Museum in Zielona Góra.

Artistic achievements of Bronisław Wolanin and Mariusz Ochocki, with the multimedia presentation, were demonstrated at the exhibition of “Z bolesławieckiej gliny” in Italian city Vietri Sul Mare, organized by the Association of Ceramic Municipalities in RP. The Cooperative continued its participation in the Folk Art Fair in Cracow and “Cepeliada” in Sopot. At the International Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt am Main, the company presented new products designed by Mariusz Ochocki and painted in decorations created by Teresa Liana and Maria Starzyk.

The Cooperative received two prestigious prizes: “Oskar Spółdzielczości w Polsce” for the most dynamically developing company in Poland and “Keramos” from Akademia Górniczo – Hutnicza, named Stanisław Staszic in Cracow, Faculty of Materials Engineering for active support and a cooperation between AGH Faculty and ceramics producers.

At the end of this year, the number of employees was 412.

2015

The company established a cooperation with Akademia Górniczo-Hutnicza in Cracow to conduct technological research and implement student internships in the factory.

Many modernization and renovation activities were introduced. The most valuable change was the introduction of ceramic furnaces, which tremendously increased the potential for production for the Cooperative.

The visit from the Japanese ambassador to the Cooperative coincided with the opening of the “Ceramika Artystyczna” company store, by our authorized distributor – Yamato company in Japan.

New design in the Cooperative were presented at the Agricultural Museum in Ciechanowiec, BOK Gallery-MCC in Bolesławiec and Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Sofia. New stands with ceramic products were launched in the “Cepelia” shopping centre in Wrocław.

TVP Wrocław presented the achievements of the factory on an information programme. The detailed painting process of ceramics is presented on the Korean TV in an educational film for Korean youth.

For the second time, the Cooperative and its employees received the President of the City of Bolesławiec award, taking 1st place in the Ceramic Parade, during the Bolesławiec Ceramics Festival.

The Cooperative receives the prize of “Gazela Biznesu 2015” and honorary prize of the President of the City of Boleslawiec for the most dynamically developing company and the City promotion in 2015.

At the end of 2015, the number of employees was 394.

2014

The third modern kiln for a final firing was purchased and started. Furthermore, a lot of important invest activities were realized. 18 new foreign contractors were acquired. The company received rate of growth about 120% compared with year 2013. 57 new pottery forms authorized by Mariusz Ochocki were introduced into production. There were bowls, mugs, cheese fondues, and containers. From the initiative of decoration designers a new collection of patterns was released. It was presented during the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt am Main, and it was connected with a small show of pottery decoration.

As usually, Boleslawiec Ceramic Festival took place and it was the fifth time when „Pottery Garden” in the area of the Cooperative was organized. You could encounter amazing presentations like wedding, Christmas, Easter and Pope tables, fondue and sushi sets. The exhibition of the pottery given to John Paul II was accompanied by the catalog.

During the Boleslawiec Ceramic Festival, the representation of 200 employees wearing peacock tails shaped costumes, hand painted dresses and blouses with peacocks eyes took part in the Ceramic Parade. They won the first place.

During the event, the International Ceramic Center organized the second exhibition of new designs for ceramic factories The Cooperative presented the new forms by Mariusz Ochocki and decorations of Teresa Liana and Maria Starzyk.

The Cooperative continued the advertisement venture, which from many years etched into a calendar of promotion events. During the Cepeliada and Christmas Fairs in different areas of our country the pottery was presented to tourists and the retail clients. Besides, the Cooperative positively responded for lots of charity events, and supported various activities of a social nature.

2013

At the beginning of the year, the company was profoundly disturbed by the death of Bronisław Wolanin on 17th of February. The Board of Supervisors entrusted the function of Vice President and production manager to Irena Jachowicz-Wróblewska. Mariusz Ochocki designed a ceramic sushi set and a chocolate fondue. The Cooperative co-organized the exhibition of „Ceramic Artistic Designs” in the Central Museum of Textile in Łódź. In August in the framework of exhibition of new ceramic potteries in International Ceramic Centre in Bolesławiec the sushi sets were presented.

2012

Mariusz Ochocki became the Main Designer and the Artistic Manager after Bronisław Wolanin had retired. The Copperative singed an export contract with Japanese company Yamato for production and sale the pottery items in the Japan market. Since than Małgorzata Wyspiańska-Gil has occupied the position of The Main Accountant, and Grzegorz Szandrowski has been the Main Technologist. Moreover, he has been entrusted the function of the Member of the Board. The improvement in sale and production indexes were noticed. As a consequence, workers released before were engaged again.
The things worth noticing:

• Participation in the Fair in Tokio.
• Participation in the International Trade Fair Ambiente in Frankfurt am Main.
• Participation in the Boleslawiec Ceramic Festival.
• Participation in the Craft Fair in Krakow.
• Organization the Pottery Garden.
• Participation in the Easter Fair in Warsaw.
• Participation in the Christmas Fair in Warsaw.

2011

There were many difficulties in the Cooperative, developed by the global recession and international crisis, resignation form selling the pottery products by QVC television in The United States of America, production decrease, necessity of introduce not popular decisions, but necessary for keeping the Cooperative´s activities and giving the possibility of export for Japanese and Korean markets.

The Cooperative got new markets, increased the existing markets, and reduced the production´s costs and took the investments. It maintained the sale rate of pottery items on domestic market. It activated another stand in the chain of shops „CEPELIA”.
The main events:

• In February, we were awarded for the promotion of Boleslawiec Town.
• In June, the Main Technologist of Cooperative Krystyna Anduła retired after many years.
• In July, the highest national distinction in culture „Medal Gloria Artis” was bestowed on Bronisław Wolanin by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.
• In December, the Main Accountant, Małgorzata Opala retired after many years.
• Employment rate at the end of the year was 293 people.

2010

The year 2010 was crucial for the Cooperative. The negative trend appeared to be going in the reverse direction. Customers started to return. New workers were employed. Export dynamics was in 130% in comparition with the previous year. Multidirectional activities connected with promotion of pottery items were realized.

• The pottery items promotion at the United Nation Headquaters in Geneva, and participation in charity venture named „International Fair”.
• Expansion in Japanese market by advertising the pottery items in prestigious culinary magazines and TV programs providing by Japanese chefs.
• Presentation of the decorations designers in American television QVC.
• Promotion of new line of unique decorations „Texas” during the spring fair in New York and Texas.
• Presentation of the brand new pottery patterns at the Ceramic Museum in Bolesławiec.
• Selling of the Cooperative´s products in International Centre of Ceramic in Boleslawiec.
• Participation in the fair „Cepeliada” and Boleslawiec Ceramic Festival.
• Employment rate at the end of the year was 324 people.

Participation in domestic and international fairs was positively noted not only by customers, but also by the Polish Embassy in Tokio, by the Consulate of Republic of Poland in Frankfurt am Main and Permanent Representation of Poland to the United Nations in Geneva.

2009

Cooperative continued an export progress through QVC as the biggest distributor of pottery items in unique decorations in The United States of America. We participated in different promoting and advertising forms, inter alia:

• Participation in the Boleslawiec Pottery Festival – presentation of all offered products during the trial of beating of the Guiness record.
• Organization of the Pottery Garden, connected with presentation of the patterns designers.
• Opening of the exhibition of pottery forms of the Cooperative´s Artistic Manager Bronisław Wolanin in Boleslawiec Culture Centre.
• Opening of the exhibition of the Cooperative´s products in the Modern Art Gallery in North Masovia Museum in Łomża.
• Opening of the exhibition of the Cooperative´s products in Gallery „CEPELIA Foundation” in Warsaw.
• Participation in Cepeliada in Sopot.
• Participation in the Craft Fair in Krakow
• Participation in the International Trade Fair Ambiente in Frankfurt am Main.
• Employment rate at the end of the year was 229 people.

The worsen economic situation caused cuts in employment.

2008

The financial world crisis, dramatic drop in our currency´s rate. The Cooperative acted accordingly by introducing the repair and saving program. Thanks to that the production process went undisturbed. The company preserved selling abroad to USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Austria, France, Netherlands and Great Britain. Offering a high level of designing, good quality and products usability, we performed advertising and promoting activities:

• Participation in the International Trade Fair Ambiente in Fraknfurt am Main.
• Participation in the Craft Fair in Krakow.
• Participation in the Fair in Kielce.
• Participation in the Christmas Fair in Warsaw.
• Participation in the Fair in Milan.
• Participation in the Boleslawiec Pottery Festival.Besides.
• The Cooperative received a prestige award of Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy for the entirety and the prominent achievements in social and economy activities.
• Employment rate at the end of the year was 326 people.

Year 2008 showed that different world crisis´s and the financial collapse in one way or another bounced also on an activity of the Cooperative. It showed the need for developing new ideas in the realm of the patterns designing just to have something able to attract customers in hard times.

2007

80 % of all production was sold abroad. All invest issues from the modernization and expansion of the production hall, ending on purchase of the second modern kiln for ceramic products firing were successfully finished.

On 29 of March 2007, the last cart number 31 with the ceramics had been put into the old tunnel kiln, and it was stopped after that. The kiln had worked permanently since 1989.

As well:

• New trading offer of 300 unique and production decorations was proposed;
• 30 new shapes of pottery was introduced;
• „English Garden” – the new unique decoration available;
• Edition of 20 post cards with illustrations of Cooperative´s items.
• 45 shows of painting the products in Factory Store „STYL”;
• Presentation of the Cooperative´s products at the spring fairs DECO – INSPIRATION in Poznań;
• Presentation of the products at International Trade Fair Ambiente and Tendence in Fraknfurt by the Main river.
• 20 new additional jobs in the painting section.
• Employment rate at the end of the year was 365 people.

2006

It was a very difficult year for the polish exporters. Despite the fact that the dollar’s exchange rate was disturbing for the economy the Cooperative increased the growth in sales 118,6% compared with 2005. Our goods were still pleased on the foreign markets, especially in US. The big share in the growth had a sale of unique decorations in USA television QVC.

In addition:

• Cooperative of Handicraft was awarded by the Minister of Industry for outstanding achievements in foreign markets – The Leader Of Export In Foreign Markets;
• One selected collection was passed to the National Museum in Warsaw.
• New website was introduced;
• Richly illustrated catalog with all of Cooperative´s products was issued .
• Three advertisement movies starred by designers: Maria Starzyk, Teresa Liana, Teresa Andrukiewicz and Jolanta Okraska were produced;
• Presentatoin of products at International Ambiente and Tendence Fairs in Frankfurt.
• Reedition of the Quality System Management according to ISO 9001:2000.
• Obtained the right for using the quality sign ”Q”.
• Employment rate at the end of the year was 348 people.

2005

It was a very difficult year for Polish exporters due to an unfavorable policy against them. Financially robust Cooperative lost its level of profitability from the last years. Because of the dollar´s and EUR´s lower exchange rate the Cooperative generated lower income of export sales in 2005. Owing to the above sales profitability showed worse result by 60% in relation to 2004. There is still stable demand for our products on foreign and domestic market. The number of new markets and customers interested in purchasing pottery products keeps growing. The production capacity of Cooperative is full thanks to regular orders for a long period of time. The Cooperative has regular, reliable and solvent customers. The Cooperative is still the leader as for quality and design which is proved by numerous awards on international trade fairs and exhibitions as well as prestigious prizes and received titles, and high notes on the market and in media.

Like all exporters the Cooperative expects urgently from the new government to introduce system improvements in order to strengthen financial instruments to enable The improvement of export effectiveness including adjustment of exchange rate policy to the level applied in the EU countries.

A new collection of large size vases and pots which was presented at the area of the Cooperative and the area of the Ceramic Museum aroused customers interest and admiration. The Cooperative placed nine advertisement billboards with a picture of the factory and the factory store at the area of the town and near route entering Bolesławiec.

In December 2005 the Cooperative launched new trade stand in the centre of Warsaw, in Marszałkowska Street, together with a big billboard in front of the building. The Cooperative organized and participated in trade and exhibition events:

• International Trade Fair Ambiente in Frankfurt am Main.
• Glass and Ceramic Fairs – Spring session in Gdynia
• Glass and Ceramic Fairs – Zakopane

A new design of the fairs stand, perfect exposition of pottery products and professional staff resulting new orders and also the invitation to participate in International Fairs MACEF in Milan in Italy. Wrocław Chamber of Commerce with the honorable chairman of the President of Wrocław, included our Cooperative into ”the White List of the Lower Silesia Companies” and as the title implies, the Cooperative joined a group of believable and reliable companies. The Cooperative received a nomination to a title of a Reliable Employer 2005 of the Lower Silesia province, awarded by the Business Review. The criterion which was taken into consideration was a reliability rate of employment in the Cooperative:

• Working conditions
• Prompt salary
• Social conditions

Moreover the Cooperative for the second time was appreciated with a honorable prize of the Gazelle of Business 2005 for the most dynamic developing company. We are very glad that again the quality, modernity and attractiveness of our products were appreciated. We accept this prestigious acknowledgment as confirmation of high note of our every day efforts and reliable work.

2004

As a result of the entrance of the Republic of Poland to the EU, all the law was adjusted to the EU requirements. A completed process of certificating the quality management according to the new European Norm ISO 9001:2000, confirmed introduction of effective methods of adaptation of Cooperative to the new conditions on the market.

The Cooperative has been active for 55 years, it´s been a long way which originated in best achievements and traditions of pre-war handicraft. There is a long list of awards, prizes, medals and honors given to the Cooperative by the national and foreign experts. Throughout previous 10 years the Cooperatives received more than 30 such awards and it was the best our acknowledgment of success as well the high artistic level and good quality of products. Three prestigious awards of previous year included:

• The Best Polish Company and Products in the USA – awarded by Polish – American Trade Organization – December 2004.
• Gazelle of Business – awarded by the Pulse of Business in V ranking of the most dynamically developing company in Poland.
• Award QVC in the USA – Gold Star – for high level of design and quality of product – New York.

The Cooperative´s success is a complex process conditioned by many factors and it´s only a part of what the Cooperative was able to achieve during its activity.

2003

Year 2003 was another year of realization of plans adopted in the Cooperatives. The basic goals and tasks remain the same, but the method of their accomplishment depends on the market situation and current Cooperative´s possibilities, connected with the entrance of Poland to the EU. The increasing dynamics of export, encourage to maintain the ambitious plans of being the national leader of handmade ceramic brand and also to meet domestic and international customers expectations. There´s every possibility that the export level will be high also in the next years. The project aiming at increasing the trading offer are continued, taking in the consideration that the attractiveness of the form and the decoration, together with the highest quality will enable to receive positives response from more and more demanding domestic and international customers.
All marketing activities, good cooperation with employees, customers, contractors and continues design improvement resulted in numerous awards and prizes in 2003:

• The Lower Silesia Economy Certificate bestow by the Chapter of Business Centre Club during a Political – Economy Forum in Krzyżowa.
• The honorable statue The Culture Pillar 2003 for promotion of Boleslawiec town in the world.
• Award Dobry Wzór 2003 – The Institute of Industrial Design in Warsaw for a set of earthenware painted by hand.

There were many thanks and congratulations from the Chancellery of the President of Poland, the Vatican Secretary Office, the Lower Silesia Governor, The President of Bolesławiec and many others government´s establishment among the 36 international prestige awards, prizes and certificates received by the Cooperative within previous years. All of those awards are the proof of a solid brand, high quality products as well as great experience and prestige. They are the reason of pride, especially now when we entered European trade structures. The first firing in a new kiln of German Company GRUN and Czech Republic Company IZOMAT was successfully finished at 9.15 pm on 28th of May 2003. The first memorial vase with a date of the first firing was fired that day.

2002

The year 2002 distinguished itself by means of the higher export value of 127,1% as compared to the previous year. Using the current increase of interest of pottery products in the foreign markets, especially in the US many activities were launched. Those activities aimed at developing cooperation with present distributors and beginning cooperation with new distributors, maintaining increasing the sale of the products in the unique patterns to the retailers, by the direct sale in the national American television QVC and participation in mass channels of distribution by means of retail sale, internet sale, wholesale, TV channels and catalogue sale. Moreover the Cooperative prepared and sent 103 trading offers to 13 countries. The Cooperative had been the leader with its quality, attractive patterns and shapes, it´s stability and general value. For a long time the Cooperative has protected its participation in exclusive part of the market. The Cooperative has the intention to continue and increase cooperation with the sales representatives on the American market. The customers satisfaction has been the basic goal and it will always be the case. Among many awards and prizes, received by the Cooperative during the previous years, there is a one which is the most important, the Emblem “TERAZ POLSKA”. The Cooperative participation in that edition of the fair “TERAZ POLSKA – No Borders” in Warsaw aroused huge appreciation. The presented collection of the pottery products was regarded as a guaranty of the highest quality products, not only by the visitors but also by the President of Republic of Poland, President of Malaysia, the Diplomatic Corps, media and journalists. The visit of the most important state authorities to the stand of the Cooperative proved that they appreciated the company prestige, modernity and the market requirements adaptation. Another award and the token of appreciation was the European Medal provided to the Cooperative on 18th of November 2002 in the Columned Hall of the Lower House of Republic of Poland by the Office of European Integration BCC for the earthenware set decorated by hand.

The Cooperative´s Law against the European Union.

The new project of the Cooperative Law was prepared by the National Council of Cooperatives, which is to replace regulations of 1982, amended many times. The European Commission stated in the documents called “White Book”, that the Cooperatives are very important elements of the market economy and their business must be protected and promoted on the level of EU and its particular member countries. The statute of the European Cooperatives is the latest proposition of the EU Council. For the first time it allow the Members States to build cooperatives abroad and it will set an important example reference for Cooperatives in EU members countries as well as the candidate countries. The European cooperatives supported the objection to the National Council of Cooperatives for already adopt new cooperatives law by the previous Lower House. As the consequence of it the President of Republic of Poland refused to sign the Act of the Cooperatives Law.

2001

The year 2001 distinguished itself by means of the higher export value as compared to the previous year. Active trade policy, participation in the internationals fairs, exhibitions and advertisement in publications and magazines influenced a dynamic export increase. The fundamental reason for increase of the export, without any doubt, was the introduction of our products into Japanese market and a double amount of sale of rich decorated unique products in the United States. The direction of an export development made it possible for the Cooperative to have orders for full production until the end of 2002. The export enabled of the Cooperate present in the market of 25 countries. An invitation from the Embassy of Republic of Poland in Athens and Budapest for participation in celebration of ”Day of Europe” was a very important event that year. The participation in this celebration was a full scale promotion, our pottery products were presented at the national stand in Athens. Participation in the International fairs PECS EXPO was treated by the Embassy in Budapest as a presentation of the main representative of polish brand companies. Through previous years the Cooperatives employed 67 people. The previous years of increasing of employment rate to the level of 253 workers allowed to class the cooperative to the group of the big factories. Many marketing activities and continues the quality improvement, resulted in numerous awards and prizes:

1. ”Brown Star”, International Centre of the Business Promotion ”Interprom” for the professional presentation and promotion of the products at the international and domestic exhibition fairs.
2. Certificate of the National Chamber of Commerce in Warsaw and the title of ”Fair Play Company 2001” for:
   – The high standard of business activity.
   – Reputation and trust to the Cooperative.
   The award of ”Fair Play 2001” is a valuable honor, because it acknowledges the Cooperative’s reputation and customer’s trust to it.
3. The award ”Polish Success 2001” under the patronage of the Minister for the Economy of Republic of Poland for building the positive image of Polish enterprise.
4. The Cooperative received The Act and Insignia from the President of Republic of Poland, incorporating the Cooperative to the group of 100 Brand Companies and also to the membership in the Brand Academy.
5. Manager – Member of Cooperative – an award given to Mrs. Helena Smoleńska, the President of the Cooperative Management Board by the Chapter of –Polish Rainbow– award, Warsaw, June 2001.

International Certificate of the Quality Control ISO 9000, given to the Cooperative on 11th of January 2001 in Brussels was an undoubted success. We proved that we could and we would like to make our Cooperative stronger by our own work. This work was extremely appreciated by the public authority and ennoblement into the companies presented to the world. All received awards were the reason for pride of all employees and members of the Cooperative.

2000

The plant enters the 3rs millennium, a new century and its second fifty-year period in an excellent economic condition. The preparations for the anniversary celebration are in progress. The Co-operative president, Helena Smoleńska is awarded an individual prize and a diploma for distinguished managers “Eurolider” granted by the “Rynki Zagraniczne” magazine. It reports on the event in issue 4/6625 from January 8-10 th, 2000: “The titles (“Eurolider”) have been bestowed – so the grounds of the verdict – as a proof of respect for the talent and skills, in recognition of the individual success at creating a Polish company the standard of which lives up to that of an European Union yenture, and as an expression of admiration for the uniqueness.”
IX Glass and Ceramics Fair “Interglass” (IX targi szkła i ceramiki “Interglass”) at the International Fair in Łódź (Międzynarodowe Targi Łódzkie) awards a distinction in the competition “hand-decorated stoneware”. In April the “Now Poland – Without Borders” (teraz Polska – bez granic) prize winners arę shown in the PKiN in Warsaw. There is also the stoneware from Bolesławiec.
The plant employs currently 230 people. 168 out of them are the Co-operative members. The Eurolider prize winner, Helena Smoleńska is the president. The following constitute the management: technical supervisor – Irena Jachowicz-Wróblewska, senior foreman of the paint shop – Jolanta Jeziorna, power of attorney and main book-keeper – Małgorzata Opała. Stanisław Kotowski is the putting-on-stream supervisor. The persons listed below are the factory’s foremen: Mirosław Kamiński – casting house foreman, Paweł Buldańczyk – pattern-shop foreman, Bogusław Jasiński- furnace house foreman and Mariola Zukowska – moulding house foreman. Krystyna Anduła is the main technologist, Jerzy Stępka and Adam Wenderlich are modellers. Andrzej Kwiatkowski is the main mechanic and power engineer. Bronisław Wolanin is in charge of the artistic side. Mariusz Ochocki is form designer and the plant’s chronicler. He is also responsible for advertisement. Renata Wolańska is the main trading specialist, Celina Karp the senior paint shop foreman and Teresa Burakowska the quality control specialist. Adam Lipiński supervises transport and delivery whereas Andrzej Lisowski the warehouse. At the plant there is the manufacturer’s own shop run by Piotr Pelak. It offers the plant’s goods, advertising materials and postcards.
It enjoys a great popularity among tourists. They often make the effort to come by car or by buss from Germany in order to make the purchase of the Bolesławiec ceramics.

1999

The plant is awarded the distinction of the “Rynki Zagraniczne” magazine – “Outstanding Polish Exporter” (wybitny polski eksporter) and honoured with the “Lower Silesian Key to Success” (dolnośląski klucz sukcesu). It participates in the International Fair “Ambiente ’99” in Frankfurt on Main. In the competition “The most beautiful wedding table” (najpiękniejszy stół weselny”), Bronisław Wolanin is awarded first prize. New contracts with Japan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey arę signed thanks to the plant’s presence at the fair. “The Bolesławiec stoneware l8-20th centuries” (kamionka bolesławiecka XVIII-XX w.) from the collections of the Ceramics Museum is shown in the Museum of the Silesian Piasts (Muzeum Piastów Śląskich) in Brzeg.
In the 1990s the number of employees has evidently increased: from 123 in 1990 and l8l in 1995 up to 233 in 1998. This is caused by the growing export which constituted 15% of the whole production output at the beginning of the 1990s, 40% in 1995 and 80% at the end of this decade. The production value for 1999 is assessed at 9,515,356.00 zł.

1998

Once more Helena Smoleńska becomes the president. At the MTP exhibition “Form and functionality” (forma i użytkowość) co-organised by the “Inwestor i Dekorator” magazine, Bronisław Wolanin’s set of dishes decorated by Maria Ciszewska is awarded the “Form ’98” (forma ’98) prize in the category “stoneware”.
“Till the end of 1998 four paint shops and four unique goods’ studies have been created” (edited by M. Ochocki, quotation). Distinguished painters – designers: Maria Ciszewska, Teresa Liana, Maryla Iwicka, Anna Pasierbiewicz. The plant’s products arę shown in the Museum of the Kujawska and Dobrzyńska Area in Włocławek, as well as at the International Fair “Ambiente ’98” in Frankfurt on Main. Within the series “Polish design of the 20 century” (polskie wzornictwo XX wieku) they are also exhibited in the National Gallery in Wrocław and in the BWA in Jelenia Góra. The Ceramics Museum organises a retrospective show of the creative achievements of the plant’s first artistic supendsor, Izabela Zrzałka. The works are taken from the desisner’s collection, from the museum and from the National Gallery in Wrocław. Bogdan Górecki edits the catalogues. In the article “Bolesławiec. Nazwa niemiecka: Bunzlau” in “Gazeta antykwaryczna” (issue I/I998, p.15-17), Matylda Selwa depicts the history of the Bolesławiec stoneware and the activities of the Co-operative. This information is meant for the numerous collectors of the Bolesławiec stoneware in Poland and abroad.

1997

Jerzy Stępka is the new president. On June 10th Pope Jan Paweł II leaves Poland for Watykan. On the plane he eats a traditional Polish summer dish – new potatoes with diii and sour milk. His meal is served on the dinnerware madę especially for this occasion by the Bolesławiec plant. This fact is commented on by all Polish TV (TVP) services.
An abundantly illustrated pattern-book comes out. It is prepared and published by “Design by Inwestor i Dekorator” from Poznań. The plant is awarded the “Polish is good” prize (polskie jest dobre) granted by “Słowo Polskie” in Wrocław and the Bolesławiec distinction “Ecological product” (produkt ekologiczny). The ceramics is presented at the following exhibitions: in the Gallery of Modern Arts in the Regional Museum of Łomża (Galeria Sztuki Wpółczesnej Muzeum Okręgowego Łomży) – (catalogue with the introduction by Ariadna Sarnowicz); during the Lower Silesia Days in Ostrawa and in Cepelia’s pavilion in Warsaw. In the article “Wszystkiemu winna jest glina” in the Poznań “Inwestor i Dekorator” magazine (issue 2/22/1997, p. 24-27), Katarzyna Paczuska treats the history of stoneware and the activities of “Artistic Ceramics”.

1995

The Bolesławiec products are now signed by new trademark designed by Mariusz Ochocki. The plant’s ceramics win International Grand Prix in Madrid and Gold Medal of the MTP.
The following exhibitions take place: “Nice Design” -IWP Warsaw; “The Bolesławiec stoneware” – Opole’s Coun-tryside Museum (Muzeum Wsi Opolskiej), Opole – Bierkowice; Bronisław Wolanin (together with Czesław Wiącek), Cepelia Gallery, Wrocław (catalogue, introduction by Ariadna Sarnowicz).
The National Gallery in Wrocław publishes Maria Starzewska’s and Teresa Wolanin’s “Artystyczna Kamionka Bolesławiecka”.
The plant is awarded the “Nice Design” prize and “The Design of the Year” granted for the year 1999 by the Minister of Industry and Trade, as well as International Gold Star in Madrid granted by Business Initiative Directions. The Bolesławiec ceramics is advertised in the “Sundance” catalogue published in United States by Hollywood’s famous actor, Robert Redford. Exhibitions: 48 International Handicraft Fair, Manachium; “Nice Design”, IWP Warsaw; “Bolesławiec – a new offer” (Bolesławiec – nowa oferta), Warsaw – Piaseczno.
In his article “Wzornictwo. Ziemia nie chemia” in the magazine (issue 48, p. 30-31, appendix to “Gazeta Wyborcza”) Andrzej Osęka deals with the history of the Bolesławiec stoneware and of the “Artistic Ceramics” plant. He notes that “70% of the produced goods are meant for export and the turnover amounts to 72 billion of the old zł. ”

1994

Thanks to the excellent commercial achievements the plant has paid the last instalment of the bank credit raised to buy a new factory. Since Cepelia has been going bankrupt, the Co-operation separates itself from the associa-tion. Bolesławiec is now independent and self-efficient. Simultaneously the plant’s property is being conveyed to the employees who subsequently become its owners.
The Bolesławiec products are shown at the “Presentation of the companies awarded the distinction <Now Poland>” in Warsaw, in the Baltic Fair in Malmo, at the promotion exhibition in the Polish Trade Centre LTD (Polskie Centrum Handlowe) in Toronto and at the exhibition “The ceramics from Bolesławiec” organised by the History Museum in the Town Hall.

1993

Helena Smoleńska resigns her office. Marek Kowal is her successor.
The management of the town Bolesławiec pays tribute to the plant and decides to “transfer Bolesławiec’s flag to the Co-operative <The Artistic Ceramics>. There are two reasons for this honour: first the plant has rendered the Bolesławiec ceramics famous both in Poland and abroad and secondly it celebrates its 40th anniversary.” This statement appears in “Słowo Polskie” from December 4th. “The Artistic Ceramics is awarded: Nice Desisn – IWP Warsaw and the distinction “Now Poland” (“Teraz Polska”). The press writes abundantly about the prizes, the co-operation’s successes and about the lawsuit for plagiarism on the trademark: “Nowiny Jeleniogórskie” from December 14tk Jan Murański’s article “Nie święci garnki lepią”; “Gazeta Robotnicza” from December 6th, Tomasz Kędzia’s article “W obronie firmowego znaku”; “Gazeta Robotnicza – Magazyn Tygodniowy ” from November II , article “Piraci w Bolesławcu”; “Gazeta Wyborcza” from November 18, Jacek Jaśko’s article “Zwycięska <Ceremika>”; “Słowo Polskie” from November 23 , Ewa Han’s article “Teraz Bolesławiec”.
The authors of “Piraci w Bolesławcu” and Jacek Jaśko inform that the plant employs 170 people, among that 130 are women and 40 men. Ewa Hań notes: “This year has been a turning-point in comparison to the previous ones – the production has increased by 200% and the turnover has amounted to 28 billion zł.”
The plant’s ceramics is shown at the following exhibitions: Nice Design (Dobry Wzór) – the IWP saloon in Warsaw; The Bolesławiec Ceramics – the Polish Institute in Lipsk; The Spring Souvenir Fair – Centre of National Exhibitions in Birmingham; Top Drau Exhibition – Earls in London; Harrogate Gift Fair – Harrogate in Yorkshire.

1992

The Competition Committee, which has to choose the president of the Co-operation, is appointed. Thus the engineer Karol Stasik becomes the generał supervisor. The committee appoints Bronisław Wolanin to the office of the president.
In the wake of a conflict with the Supervisory Board a new president has to be chosen. The office is entrusted to Helena Smoleńska. Anna Pasierbiewicz supervises the newly set up “Study for designing production and unique decorations”.
The Bolesławiec products are presented at the exclusive exhibition of household supplies in the London Olimpia.

1991

The Supervisory Board of the Co-operative removes the president, Wiesław Smoleński and appoints to this office Katarzyna Sosnowska. Mariusz Ochocki, a graduate of the PWSSP in Wrocław and Feliks Kociankowksi’s student, is appointed a designer in charge of the advertisement of the plant.
Bolesławiec cancels the contract with the trade company from Berlin. Since it used its own logo “Artistic Ceramics” (a stylised arms of Bolesławiec – a silhouette of a Gothic tower) and simultaneously patented it in Germany, Mariusz Ochocki designs new ones in 1995. The previous arms have been composed in the pitcher.
The “The Bolesławiec ceramics” exhibition is shown in the Regional Museum (Muzeum Okręgowe) in Legnica. Teresa Wolanin writes an introduction to its catalogue.
In her article “Z ziemi i ognia” (“Rzeczpospolita” from June 22-23th) Danuta Wróblewska reports on the prizes Bronisław Wolanin gets ex aequo with Edward Roguszczak: first prize of the Minister of Culture and Art, as well as the gold medal at the V Internationale Triennale of Ceramics in Sopot (V międzynarodowe triennale ceramiki).

1990

The new plant at ul.Kościuszki starts manufacturing. The annual production capacity is 600 tonnes. The contract signed earlier with the Berlin trade company limits the possibilities of extending the export. The factory is having financial problems. The end of the 1980s means a gallopmg increase in interest rates for bank credits.
Comments on the new plant: “The <Modernbud> company from Żagań was in charge of the investments (…). The <Piecobudowa> company from Wrocław built two tunnel furnaces according to the project and under the supervision of the <Bipropiec> company from Kraków. At that time the tunnel furnaces of the Co-operation belonged to the most modern equipment (…). The furnaces had a modern control and measurement device what made the whole technological process much morę efficient. (edited by M. Ochocki, quotation, p. 17) The amendments to the bill of the co-operative movement allowed to convey the plant’s property to the employees. There are already two paint shops with 40 people working there.
At the competitive “Polish Modern Ceramics” exhibition in the IWP saloon in Warsaw Bronisław Wolanin is awarded first prize for the kettle with a heater manufactured in Bolesławiec. The “Arkady” publisher publishes Paweł Banaś’ album “Współczesne polskie szkło i ceremika”.

1989

In December the production at Polna ceases. Numerous photos and drawings of the plant, both historie and modern ones, are shown in Horst Hambrusch and Konrad Spindler’s article “Die Brennofen der Feinsteinzeugfabrik Julius Paul und Sohn in Bunzlau” in the Austrian technical magazine “Nearchos I/I993”. Deutsches Keramikmuseum in Dusseldorf includes Teresa Wolanin’s – the director of the Ceramics Museum – article “Zbiory kamionki w śląskich muzeach” in the publications of the last year’s symposium in Duisburg and Neuss. They treat among others also the products of the present plant (p. 66-68). The “The Bolesławiec stoneware today and tomorrow” exhibition (kamionka bolesławiecka wczoraj i dziś) prepared by Jolanta Sozańska in the National Gallery in Wrocław is presented in the IWP saloon in Warsaw, as well as in the National Gallery mentioned above. Jolanta Sozańska writes an introduction to the folding catalogue. On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Co-operative, the Ceramics Museum prepares the “The Bolesławiec stamp ceramics” exhibition (the introduction to the catalogue written by Ariadna Sarnowicz). Bertold Brecht’s Cultural Centre in Bischofswerda shows the plant’s goods at the exhibition “Modern Keramik aus Bolesławiec”. In the i980s the number of the employees has increased: from 59 in 1980 to 122 in 1989. Through the company from Berlin, Bolesławiec exports now 15% of its products.

1988

As per agreement with the Management of the Co-operative “Artistic Ceramics”, Cepelia International Ltd relinquishes the sales rights on the West European and American markets to a smali trade company in Berlin. The purchase is based on the exclusion clause.
The plant’s stoneware from the collection of the public Museum of Ceramics is exhibited in the Museum of Środa Śląska, and within the Cultural Days of the Jelenia Góra Voivedeship also in Mozyrze in White Russia.

1987

Dariusz Mandżuk becomes the plant’s technologist and works here till 1991. The International Competition of Industrial Design (międzynarodowy konkurs wzornictwa przemysłowego) organised within the International Fair of Ceramics, Glass and Decorations (międzynarodowe targi ceramiki, szkła i artykułów dekoracyjnych) in Valencia awards Bronisław Wolanin’s sets of dishes the “Golden Star”. Wolanin is also awarded first prize and a one year grant from the Minister of Culture and Art at the 5th All-Polish Biennale of Artistic Ceramics (V ogólnopolskie biennale ceramiki artystycznej) in Wałbrzych. His last works are presented in the Gallery of Applied Arts Cepelia (Galeria Sztuki Użytkowej Cepelia) in Warsaw and at the show “Ceramics from Bolesławiec” in “Galerie am Elbtor” in Pirna. “Gazeta Robotnicza” from March 30th publishes the article “Bolesławiecka ceramika ma przyszłość” signed by “bob”. It notes: “This year the plant will produce 60 goods (assortment) for both the domestic and foreign markets. Their value has been assessed at 100 millions zł. (…), out of which 6 millions constitute the products made for export.” Since the Bolesławiec dishes have been in such a great demand, the decision to build a new factory has been made. “It was decided already 10 years ago, but the construction started only in December 1984. (…) We are very anxious to see it finished, said Stanisław Kotowski, the Main Specialist in investments in the co-operation. The main hall, the technical and the social equipment should be ready in the unfinished state this autumn. The administration building is already there and we hope that thanks to our contractor, Zagań’s Construction Company of Chemical and Light Industry (Żagańskie Przedsiębiorstwo Budowlane Przemysłu Chemicznego i Lekkiego), we will be able to move in there even next year. The investment will cost us 700 millions zł. The money comes partially from the Central Association Cepelia (…) and the rest from bank credits.” Janusz Zwierz, the technical supervisor adds to that: “The capacity of two modern tunnel furnaces will be 600 tonnes of stoneware yearly. Now it is not more than 250 tonnes…”

1986

The Warsaw Cepelia publishes a folder advertising the Bolesławiec products. The introduction “Bolesławiecka ceramika stempelkowa” is written by Krystyna Paluch.
Janusz Zwierz gets employed as the technical supervisor and works till 1991. From 1986 till 1988 the “Bunzlauer Geschirr exhibition” is shown in Berlin, Dusseldorf and Hamburg. The catalogue is edited by Heidi Muller, Ekkehard and Inge Lipert and Reginę Falkenberg. The exhibition and the catalogue depict the history of the Bolesławiec ceramics but deal also with the achievements of the plant after 1945. The museum in Świdnica organises the “The modern Bolesławiec stoneware” exhibition (współczesna kamionka bolesławiecka).

1985

Wiesław Smoleński becomes the president. Wanda Matus retires and Bronisław Wolanin is once more appointed the artistic supervisor of the plant. The construction of the new plant at ul.Kościuszki 23 in Bolesławiec has started. The department of investments is in charge of the venture. The department consists of the construction supervisor, the engineer Stanisław Kotowski and of the ceramic technician Franciszek Ochocki. The latter is charge of the delivery of necessary building materials and of production machines.

1984

Bronisław Wolanin is awarded the Prize of the Lower Silesian Press (nagroda prasy dolnośląskiej) for “his exceptional contribution to the development of the Polish artistic ceramics”. His interviews can be found in “Słowo Polskie” (May IIth, Ewa Hań “Projektant i artysta”) and in “Nowiny Jeleniogórskie” (May 9l , Marek Szyjkowski “Trzeba czuć glinę”).
The Secretaryship of the Watykan State sends a letter expressing its gratitude for the ceramics given as a present. Within the show of the Jelenia Góra arts, the Ceramics Museum in Bolesławiec prepares an exhibition of its own collection “The Bolesławiec creamics”. It is a presentation of artists working in different local plants: Janina and Mieczysław Kozłowscy from “Bolesławiec”, the independent workers Krystyna Gay-Kutschenreiter and Eugeniusz Niemirowski, as well as the pioneers Tadeusz Szafran, Izabela Zdrzałka, Elżbieta Niezgodzińska and Bronisław Wolanin.
The BWA in Jelenia Góra prepares for the Polish Institute in Paris the “La ceramique de Bolesławiec” exhibition showing the goods from both “The Artistic Ceramics” (ceramika artystyczna) and from the factory “Bolesławiec”.

1983

Elżbieta Niezgodzińska becomes the new artistic supervisor and keeps the post till 1985. Before she worked as plastic instructor in the local Youth Cultural Centre (Młodzieżowy Dom Kultury). She graduated the Department of Arts and Pedagogy at the Silesian University (Uniwersytet Śląski) in Katowice. Her specialisation was sculpture. She designed and initiated the production of a dozen or so patterns.
In his article “Wychodzenie na swoje – CERAMIKA ARTYSTYCZNA znów podbija Europę” (“Echo Bolesławca”, issue 2, May) Paweł Śliwko writes: “The separation from the Central Association of Work Co-operative Society (Centralny Związek Spółdzielczości Pracy) and the return to Cepelia means skipping one stage of the bureaucratic supervision and contributes to the revival of the local entrepreneurial activity”.
With 78 employees “the results of 1982 are the following: plan realisation 106.9%, profit 11.7%, export to capitalist countries 5%, average salary 11,888 zł (…). The plant has got new machines and equipment from East Germany, which specialises in this realm within the Council of the Mutual Economic Support (Rada Wzajemnej Pomocy Gospodarczej – RWPG). The new purchases of Bolesławiec include: a pump, vacuum and filter presses, 2 semi-automatic machines for indenting and plate productions (…), casting tables and a metal working machine (…). The factory has spent 4 millions zł (…). The time of investment has started (…), the construction of a new and modern plant at the cost of 500 million zł has been already fixed. The specification is ready and the location has been accepted (…). There are capacity reserves and money. Maybe the excavation of foundations will start even this autumn, but let’s not scare off the promising prospects”.

1981-1982

The Bolesławiec ceramics are presented in the following places: at the authorial show of Bronisław Wolanin in the National Gallery in Wrocław, at the exhibition “Cloth, ceramics and glass” (tkanina, ceramika i szkło) prepared by the officer Maria Berny, commissioned by MKiS and shown in Moscow, Ałma-Ata, Prague and Bratysława, as “Bolesławiec stoneware” in Museum of Zabrze, Design in Polen” in the Centre of Information on the Polish Culture (Ośrodek Informacji Kultury Polskiej) in Berlin and at the collective exhibition “Polish modern ceramics” (współczesna ceramika polska) in Sofia.
Irena Braszko gets employed as technologist and works from 1982 till 1987. Wanda Polanica is her laboratory assistant (1984-1987).

1980

Lucjan Opaczyński retires and Jan Wieczorek becomes the new president. Because Bronisław Wolanin leaves for the new Ceramic Plant “Bolesławiec”, Wanda Matus is appointed the artistic supervisor of the factory.
Its products are shown at exhibitions in the Museum of Opole’s Silesia (Muzeum Śląska Opolskiego) in Opole, in the Office of Artistic Exhibitions “Arsenał” (Biuro Wystaw Artystycznych “Arsenał” – BWA) in Poznań and as a part of “Approaching. The modern creation of the artists from Jelenia Góra” (zbliżenia, współczesna twórczość jeleniogórskich artystów plastyków) in the BWA in Jelenia Góra.

1979

“Gazeta Robotnicza” from March 5th publishes Bożena Bryl’s article with the meaningful title “Wolanin – sukces artysty w przemyśle”. Here the author deals with Wolanin’s projects. In the same paper, on December 3 it is written: “The artistic ceramics” celebrated its 25th anniversary last month. The departmental distinctions <meritorious member of the co-operative> went on this occasion to Bronisław Wolanin and the employees: the skilful modeller Jerzy Stępka and the furnaceman Józef Tomin. Wolanin has been involved in the co-operation for 15 years. He is also one of those who have made it renowned on the inland and world markets.
Bronisław Wolanin gets a distinction at the First Exhibition and Symposium of Polish Ceramics (I. wystawa i sympozium ceramiki polskiej) in Wałbrzych renamed in the next years in Polish Ceramics’ Biennale (biennale ceramiki polskiej). At the Presentations 79′ (prezentacje 79′) in the BWA in Jelenia Góra the artist is once more awarded by the voivode of Jelenia Góra. This time it is 20,000 zł. He also wins the First Prize in the Suvernir competition of the Lower Silesian region for. He is awarded the prize for “all presented patterns of ceramics souvenirs”.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the plant the Ceramics Museum organises a show “Bolesławiec’s stoneware” (catalogue with an introduction by Krystyna Paluch). “Bolesławiec’s stoneware” participates in the 7th National and 4th International Fair of the Folk Art (VII krajowe i IV międzynarodowe targi sztuki ludowej) in Kraków. The introduction to its catalogue is written by Stefan Ciepły.
The catalogue “Ceramika Artystyczna Bronisława Wolanina”, BWA Jelenia Góra contains among others excerpts of statements, reviews, descriptions of his projects by: Maria Starzewska, Maria Jeżewska, Paweł Banaś, Bogdan Górecki, Irena Huml, Wanda Telakowksa, Ariadna Sarnowicz and Krystyna Paluch.
In the I970s, due to the revival of the West German and Polish relationship, the export increases. Bolesławiec exports now to Denmark, West Germany, United States, Sweden, Belgium, since 1976 additionally to Spain and France and in 1977 to Fast Germany, the Soviet Union and Austria.
While in 1970 the plant employed 55 people and in the second decade of the 1970s 67, in 1979 it has already 74 employees (edited by M. Ochocki, ąuotation).
As per the decision of the co-operative’s management, the paint shop, which has been separated from the design department, employs 14 people at the end of the decade. The paint shop is supervised by Wanda Matus (edited by M. Ochocki, quotation).

1978

The Cepelia Headquarters in Warsaw commissions Bronisław Wolanin to design and then to initiate the production of a collection of ceramics with the motifs of the Huculi and the Pokuccy mountaineers. They are supposed to be modelled on museum exhibits and on a wide assortment of dishes designed by the folk creator, Kazimierz Woźniak from Oława (l909-1990). This collection will be produced till 1982.
Barbara Baworowska’s catalogue of the goods collected in the National Gallery in Wrocław, “Współczesna Sztuka Wrocławska, Wrocław”, highlights the following designers of the plant: Izabela Zdrzałka, Gabriela Hoffman-Sleżewska, Adam Dzień, Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa, Bronisław Wolanin. The plant’s ceramics is shown at exhibitions abroad: the collected exhibits of the Ceramics Museum in Festung Konigstein – “Alte und neue Keramik aus Bolesławiec” (folding catalogue) and in Haus Bitz, Frechen – “Keramiken aus Polen” (the catalogue contains photos of the currently manufactured rectangular vases designed by Bronisław Wolanin).

1977

Thanks to the efforts of the Lower Silesian Social and Cultural Association (Dolnośląskie Towarzystwo Społeczno-Kulturalne) Maria Starzewska’s publication “Z dziejów ceramiki na Śląsku” comes out. In the chapter “Bolesławiec’s pots made of stone” (kamienne garnki bolesławieckie) the author deals among other things with the after-war activities of the plant at ul.Polna. In the January issue of the “Odra” magazine there is Krystyna Paluch’s article “Miedzy tradycją a nowoczesnością”. There she writes about Bronisław Wolanin: “… he has significantly contributed to the recognition the Bolesławiec plant now boasts – in the branch section of Cepelia, its patron – as the manufacturer of first-class goods.
Numerous distinctions and prizes, purchases of the Bolesławiec ceramic products for museum collections, orders considerably exceeding the production capacity of the plant – these are only few and obvious proofs of the respect the designer of the forms has been enjoying. (p. 105).
The stoneware from Bolesławiec is presented at the exhibitions in the following places: the Opole-Bierkowice Museum, the Ślężańskie Museum in Sobótka, the Palace of the Dukes of Pomerania Szczecin (Zamek Książąt Pomorskich) in Szczecin, the Kamienna Góra Museum and abroad in the Culture and Information Centre in Berlin as well as in the Public Museum in Rothenburg.

1976

“There is an ultimate decision” informs the president, Lucjan Opaczyński in his speech in Kalina Godlewska’s article “Nad Bobrem garnki lepią” (“Wiadomości” from December 23 ). “The construction is located on the outskirts of the town in the direction of Wizów and will start in July next year. Right now we are developing the building site: we are levelling the ground and fencing. The investment cycle has been determined for 32 months, i.e. in shorter than three years the production should start in the new and modern factory. Its value has been assessed at 50 million zł, i.e. five times as much as it is now. The crew will increase from 67 to 200 people.” “Spółdzielczość pracy” from December 20-27 informs about Bronisław Wolanin’s activities, both the commercial and the unique ones. There are numerous shows of the plant’s stoneware goods, one after another: in the “Cepelia” saloons in Katowice, Warsaw, Poznań, in museums in Gliwice and Toruń, as well as in Stara Kordegarda in Warsaw. Each exhibition has its own folding catalogue with introductions by Krystyna Paluch, Ariadna Sarnowicz and Bogdan Górecki. “Express Wieczorny” from May 29-30th informs about the exhibition in Stara Kordegarda and in Cepelia s shop at ul.Puławskiego. It praises Bronisław Wolanin’s vases and Wanda Matus’ ornaments.

1975

“The co-operation occupies an old building. In the small rooms there is no possibility to raise the capacity, which now amounts to 8.5 millions zł. The profitability of the goods and the ever growing demand for them on the inland market prove that the construction of a new factory is inevitable. The general goals have been already accepted and the money for their realisation granted. The technical project will be ready in the first quarter of the next year. It foresees that the modern production hali with its social and administrative equipment will cost 55 millions zł. The building will be ready for use in 1978 and then the capacity will rise six fold and the employment will triple” writes Zbigniew Pietraszek in the article “Wazony z autografem (“Gazeta Robotnicza” from September 19th). He also deals with the plant’s designers, Wanda Matus, Bronisław Wolanin and Bronisław Romanowski: “… Bronisław Romanowski is a first-class master indeed. He was passing on his experience and skills to the young pottery students for many years. Although retired, he has stayed in touch with the factory that he was involved in since its origin. He still sculptures admirable figures in his studio. Jerzy Stępka, a graduate of the high school in Wiśnicz”, is doing well as his successor”.
The Bolesławiec stoneware is also shown at the Cepelia’s Art and Handicraft exhibition (sztuka i rękodzieło Cepelii) in the Warsaw PKiN and in the Friends of the Fine Arts Society Gallery (Galeria Towarzystwa Przyjaciół Sztuk Pięknych) at ul.Rutkowskiego in Warsaw. Similar exhibitions take place in the sales saloon of Cepelia in Kraków (folding catalogue with an introduction by Krystyna Paluch), as Bronisław Wolanin s authorial show in Jelenia Góra and at the “Forms and colours exhibition (formy i barwy) in the Ceramics Museum (with an introduction by Ariadna Sarnowicz).

1974

Wanda Matus, a graduate of the PWSSP in Wrocław and prof Krystyna Cybińska’s student, gets employed. There is a new, unique collection of dishes designed mainly by Bronisław Wolanin. They are painted or carved in irregular floral or plant patterns. On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the plant the Museum of Ceramics organises “The modern Bolesławiec ceramics” (współczesna ceramika bolesławiecka) show. The current Bolesławiec products are shown at the exhibition “Bronisław Wolanin – Ceramics” (Bronisław Wolanin – ceramika) in the “Journalists’ Gallery” (Galeria u Dziennikarzy) in Wrocław (catalogue). A similar show takes place in Cepelia’s exhibition centre in Częstochowa.
The article “Wyroby bolesławieckie cieszą się zasłużoną sławą” (“Słowo Polskie” from May 9 ) informs about the plans of building a new factory: “The co-operative produces currently about 150 tonnes of dishes a year. Once the new factory has started manufacturing, its capacity will be 500 tonnes. The construction will start in the first half of the next year, and finish in 1976”.

1973

The National Gallery (Muzeum Narodowe) in Wrocław (before 1970 the Silesian Museum) organises an exhibition “Keramik aus Wrocław” in Drezno (catalogue, intro-duction by Paweł Banaś) which also shows the stoneware works of Bronisław Wolanin. At the exhibition “Cepelia’s Artists” (artyści plastycy z kręgu Cepelii) in Zachęta in Warsaw he wins the bronze medal for “his collection of sculputres and creamics”.

1972

The technologist Andrzej Skowroński comes back to the plant. Together with Urszula Jałowska he does a research on the possibility of initiating stamp and sponge ornaments. Andrzej Skowroński (working till 1978) designs a whole range of glazes for the forms of Bronisław Wolanin. Works with sophisticated glazing technology and burnt in a special way are meant for exhibitions, competitions and fairs. Afterwards they are transferred to museum collections, first of all in Bolesławiec and Wrocław. At the annual show of Cepelia’s ceramics in Warsaw the Bolesławiec products are once more awarded first and second prizes, as well as four distinctions. In the Wrocław and Lower Silesian souvenir competition (konkurs na pamiątkę wrocławską i dolnośląską) Bronisław Wolanin wins first prize for “the miniatures of dishes and figures madę of the Bolesławiec stoneware”.

1971

Upon repayment of the last instalments of the raised credit, the plant undergoes modernisation. There are new halls of the paint and the pattern shops, the latter one newly eąuipmented. At MTP the plant is awarded first prize for “export novelties”. In the summer the co-operative hosts 10 participants of the second Cepelia’s Show of Ceramics and Sculpture (II plener ceramiczno-rzeźbiarski). Co-operative “ŁAD” is represented among others by Elżbieta Grosseowa. The results of the show are shown at an exhibition in the Copper Museum in Legnica. The museum in Gliwice prepares the “Polish modern Artistic Ceramics” exhibition (współczesna polska ceramika artystyczna) (catalogue with an introduction by Małgorzata Procek). It presents 14 ceramic manufacturers, one of which is Bolesławiec.

1970

The co-operative starts working with a Dutch company Broeste. Subseąently a Dutch potter, Karen Park, comes over and designs a collection for the Dutch market.
“Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) lists her 17 projects of functional dishes. Bronisław Romanowski’s unique, gluemodelled, painted and glazed figures are becoming more and more popular in the seventies. It is a wide range of animals, people and scenes made with a touch of folk style and of the so-called naive art.

1969

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the plant at ul.Polna the Ceramics Museum in Bolesławiec prepares an exhibition showing its achievements. The present director of the museum, Krystyna Paluch, writes an introduction to the folder. The Bolesławiec products are shown at the exhibition “Ceramics and glass. Polish applied art on the 15th anniversary of PRL” (ceramika i szkło, polska sztuka użytkowa w XXV-lecie PRL) in Wrocław. At the “Annual Review of Cepelia Ceramics” (doroczny przegląd ceramiki cepeliowskiej) they are awarded first prize and third prize in the manufacture of souvenirs.
39 people are employed in 1960, 53 in 1964 and 54 in 1965.
The plant still produces stoneware bottles for export. Krystyna Paluch notes in the folder mentioned above that “half of the products are made for export”.

1966-1968

The plant participates in the “Annual branch reviews” (doroczne przeglądy brązowe) in Warsaw and wins: first prize for the whole presentation, second prize for table accessories (1966), and the special prize BHZ Coopexim (1968).
“Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) contains the projects of Bronisław Wolanin, Zdzisław Pietrzakowski, as well as samples of the projects prepared by the plant modeller and a graduate of High School of Fine Arts (Liceum Plastyczne) in Wiśnicz, Jerzy Stępka.
The Ram (baran), Devil (diabeł) and “Grandfather” (dziadek) figures designed by Bronisław Romanowski are for the first time with no limit accepted for production.

1965

At the “Annual Review of the Cepelia Ceramics” (doroczny przegląd ceramiki cepeliowskiej) the plant is awarded second prize, two distinctions in the manufacture of souvenirs and third prize for table accessories. The plant participates in the show organised in the capital on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Cepelia.

1964

Bronisław Wolanin (born in 1937) is the next artistic supervisor of the plant. He was a student of prod. Julia Kotarbińska and a graduate of the Department of Ceramics at the PWSSP in Wrocław. At the “Yearly Ceramics Review” (doroczny przegląd ceramiki) organised by the Warsaw management of Cepelia hę is awarded second prize for “all exhibits”. The First All-Polish Outdoor Show of Ceramics and Sculpture (I ogólnopolski plener ceramiczno-rzeźbiarski) takes place in the Bolesławiec ceramic plant.
Since then Bolesławiec has been a meeting point for outstanding potters, first only Polish, later on also foreign ones. They have played a great role for Bolesławiec and its ceramic factory. Since they are not the subject of this study I refer you to: “Ogólnopolskie Plenery Ceramiczno-Rzeźbiarskie w Bolesławcu 1964-1994- Uczestnicy” (introduction by Ewa Han, edited by Danuta Maślicka), the Regional Centre of Culture (Regionalne Centrum Kultury), Jelenia Góra 1994 and 33th International Outdoor Show of Ceramics and Sculpture (międzynarodowy plener ceramiczno-rzeźbiarski, Bolesławiec 1997 (catalogue). “Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, ąuotation) reports that since then Bronisław Wolanin’s projects have been prevailing and, in the course of time, the only ones used in the Bolesławiec plant.

1963

Having realised that the capacities of the factory are to a great extent limited by the bad technical conditions of the buildings, the management makes the decision to build a new and more modern plant (M.Ochocki “Kronika Ceramiki Artystycznej – 50 lat działalności Spółdzielni manuscript, p, 16). “Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, ąuotation) reports a purchase of the projects of 4 serving sets designed by Henryk Jędrasiak from the headquarters of the Warsaw Cepelia.

1962

The Bolesławiec ceramics is shown in the Warsaw Pałace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki – PKiN). Among others it presents the works of Izabela Zdrzałka, Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa and Amanda Różańska. In co-operation with Cepelia Maria Starzewska organises the “Bolesławiec stoneware in the creation of artists and potters” exhibition (kamionka bolesławiecka w twórczości plastyków ceramików) in M.Ś. in Wrocław. The exhibition catalogue contains a list of the show’s participants: Maria Alkiewicz, Stanisław Barnaś, Tadeusz Boroński, Leokadia Bożek, Stafan Chierowski, Krystyna Cybińska, Halina Draczyńska, Irena Dróżdż-Hyży, Danuta Duszniak, Adam Dzień, Gabriela Hoffman-Śleżewska, Kazimiera Hulanicka, Henryk Jędrasiak, Bogdan Kiziorek, Sandor Koczor, Sylwia Kostrzyńska, Julia Kotarbińska, Krystyna Kozik-Sójkowa, Henryk Lula, Ewa Panufnik-Dworska, Zdzisław Pietrza-kowski, Elżbieta Piwek, Amanda Różańska, Adam Sadurski, Wacław Sosnowski, Ryszard Surajewski, Dionizy Strzelbicki, Tadeusz Szafran, Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa, Andrzej Trzaska, Maria Waltratus-Rybak, Krystyna Zaorska-Burczyk, Izabela Zdrzałka, Hanna Żuławska.
According to Maria Starzewska the list of designers working at or for the plant is incomplete. In the introduction of the catalogue she also deals with the after-war history of the plant at ul. Polna, as well as with the output of Izabela Zdrzałka, Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa and Amanda Różańska: “Their artistic individualities have created a quite homogenous picture of the entire production always based on the requirements of such material like stoneware. This picture shows the changes observable also in arts. These changes can be seen in very simple formulas present in folk decorations, in the unconditionally carried out functionality, finally in the abstract forms of ornaments and in the shapes of sculptures”.

1961

“Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, ąuotation) contains a list of projects bought at the Design Fair (targi wzornictwa) in Warsaw. All of them are later on used for manufacturmg. The following are the designers: Maria Alkiewicz, Tadeusz Boroński, Bogdan Kiziorek, Sylwia Kostrzyńska-Wierzchowska, Henryk Lula, Lidia Oleśkiewicz, Ryszard Stryjec, Ryszard Surajewski, Andrzej Trzaska, Maria Waltratus-Rybak, Krystyna Zaorska-Burczyk and Hanna Żuławska. The Committee of Artistic Ranking (KOA -Komisja Ocen Artystycznych) in Wrocław accepts also Amanda Różańska’s and Zdzisław Pietrzakowski’s projects. The production of the goods is initiated.

1960

Amanda Różańska, prof. Stanisław Dawski s student and a graduate of the Wrocław PWSSP, is appointed the artistic supervisor. “Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) includes the goods designed by the artist: ashtrays “Drop” (kropla), “Boat” (łódka), the money box “Pony” (konik) and a little bowl of Danuta Duszniak.

1959

The Minister of Culture and Art awards Izabela Zdrzałka for her previous artistic output at the Exhibition of Plastic on the Odra River (wystawa plastyki Ziem Nadodrzańskich) shown in Zachęta in Warsaw. Maria Starzewska writes an abundantly illustrated article “Kamionka bolesławiecka” published in Roczniki Sztuki Śląskiej (Yol.I, Wrocław 1959). In it she deals with Bolesławiec’s history as well as with the after-war times of its ceramics. “Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, ąuotation) lists the designers Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa and Zdzisław Pietrza-kowski. The employment oscillating round 24 people in the 1950s, increases to 45 in 1954 and 59 at the end of the decade. The production is growing and the monthly capacity is now eight furnaces with about 15-20,000 products. Through its bottle contracts the plant produces also for export and has been making profits for one year.

1958

Izabela Zdrzałka leaves the private Plant of Ceramic Whiteware “Puchalski i S-ka” (Zakład Ceramiki Szlachetnej “Puchalski and Partner”) at uL Górne Młyny in Bolesławiec. She describes the experiences and the success made in the plant in the following words: “From 1951 until 1958 I was working as technologist and the form and ornament designer. I worked out new recipes for colourful engobes, enamels and a dozen or so feldspar colourful glazes in different hues of brown, green and light blue, as well as for artistic crystal and reduction glazes. I also iniciated the production of three new ornamental techniques: stamp decorating with underglaze paints, enamel decorating on clay and colourful glazes, and ornaments engraved on engobes. Besides I designed a few tens of ornaments to be applied with the already existent techniques.” Izabela Zdrzałka, MC Bolesławiec, 1998 (catalogue).
Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa, a graduate of the Wrocław university and Rudolf Krzywiec’s student, becomes the next artistic supervisor.
Thanks to the contract for the bottles produced for alcoholic beverages, which constitutes 30% of the plant’s whole production capacity, the financial situation, not quite satisfactory before, is improving. The co-operative is making the first profits. Besides Izabela Zdrzałka’s works shown at the Regional Exhibition of Interior and Graphics (okręgowa wystawa architektury wnętrz) in the Wrocław BWA there arę also those made at ul.Polna. “Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) lists the following artists: Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa, Adam Dzień, Adam Sadulski, Stanisław Barnaś, Leokadia Bożek, Mieczysław Porębski.

1957

Kazimierz Piątkowski, employed from 1957 till 1959, designs for the plant an interesting set of colourful design glazes.
“Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) mentions this time: Izabela Zdrzałka, Krystyna Cybińska, Alicja Hartman-Wadowska, Rajmund Hartman.
The Bolesławiec stoneware is presented at the “All-Polish Exhibition of Interior Architecture” (ogólnopolskia wystawa architektury wnętrz) in Zachęta in Warsaw and at the “Yearly Regional Exhibition of Plastic” (doroczna okręgowa wystawa plastyki) in Wrocław.

1956

The Supervisory Board appoints Lucjan Opaczyński to the president of the Bolesławiec plant.
The factory signs now a contract for manufacturing stoneware bottles for the Warsaw Plant of Wines and Meads (Warszawska Wytwórnia Win i Miodów) and for the Poznań Factory of Flavoured Yodkas (Poznańska Wytwórnia Wódek Gatunkowych).
In an abundantly illustrated article “Bolesławiecka kamionka artystyczna” in the 2nd issue of the “Przemysł Ludowy i Artystyczny” magazine, Jan Loeffler describes the beginnings of the plant and its organisational, technical and technological problems. It has been the most detailed and possibly the most reliable history of the co-operative’s beginnings. For illustrations he uses the works presently exhibited in Cepelia’s own exhibition room in Warsaw. Izabela Zdrzałka presents the works made at the plant in the yearly local show and participates in the Souvenir competition at the International Fair in Poznań (Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie – MTP).
“Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) lists this year: Izabela Zdrzałka, Leon Feldan, Mieczysław Porębski and the PWSSP as the designer of the figure “Marysia”.

1955

Franiciszek Rejwerski becomes the new president. Izabela Zdrzałka is preparing a special collection (among oth-ers little shoes – pendants) and participates in the competition organised during the 5th International Youth and Students Festival in Warsaw.
The present heritage of the plant and of the showroom supervisor is shown at Izabela Zdrzałka’s individual exhibition in the International Press and Book Club (Klub Międzynarodowy Prasy i Książki – KMPiK) in Wrocław, as well as at the exhibition „Bolesławiec Stoneware 1945-1955” (kamionka bolesławiecka 1945-1955) organised by Maria Starzewska in M.Ś.
“Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) lists the following designers: Izabela Zdrzałka, Krystyna Kozik-Sójkowa, Wacław Sosnowski, Jerzy Gajewski, Helena Draczyńska, Andrzej Skowroński (remodeling of the electric furnace by the means of a German form).

1954

The present State-owned and Co-operative Centre of Cepelia is renamed in the National Association of Co-operatives of the Folk and Artistic Industry Cepelia (Krajowy Związek Spółdzielni Przemysłu Ludowego i Artystycznego). It reports to the Central Association of the Work Co-opereative Society (Centralny Związek Spółdzielczości Pracy). Thus the plant at ul. Polna becomes a Co-operative with its own Management and Supervisory Board. Edward Urbanek is its first president and 40 out of 45 employees become the co-operative members. The renamed plant’s assets are three production halls, three coal-fired furnaces, a warehouse and an administration building.
Izabela Zdrzałka is awarded in the “Souvenir competition” organised by the Department of Culture and Art (Ministerstwo Kultury i Sztuki – MKiS). She also takes part in the First All-Polish Exhibition of Ceramics and Artistic Glass (I-sza ogólnopolska wystawa ceramiki i szkla artystycznego) arranged by Maria Starzewska in the M.Ś, in Wrocław (catalogue).
In “Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) there are the following designers listed: Izabela Zdrzałka, Halina Draczyńska, Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa, Krystyna Kozik-Sójkowa. It also contains two projects obtained from IWP, one of which is a ball-shaped carafe (for liqueurs manu-factured together with a tray and liqueur-glasses designed by Izabela Zdrzałka). “In 1953 and 1954 new graduates of Julia Kotarbińska, Krystyna Cybińska, Czesława Chierowska and Halina Olech” design for the plant “table accessories for bars, boxes, coffee services, etc. In most cases they apply the stamp method. Unfortunately they have never been produced.” (Maria Starzewska, “Kamionka bolesławiecka” in Roczniki Sztuki Śląskiej, Vol. I, Wrocław 1959).

1953

“Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) contains the names of the following desingners: Izabela Zdrzałka, Helena Draczyńska, Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa, Krystyna Kozik-Sójkowa, Dionizy Strzelbicki, Kazimiera Hulanicka.
The products of the plant are presented at the following exhibitions: The Yearly Ist May Regional Exhibition of Plastic Art (doroczna I – majowa okręgowa wystawa plastyki ) in the M.Ś. in Wrocław and during the all-Polish event “9th Winter Exhibition of Plastic Art” (“IX zimowa wystawa plastyki”) in Radom. Izabela Zdrzałka presents her 9 works ornamented with engobes and with feldspare glaze.

1952

Having defended her thesis Izabela Zdrzałka takes over the new office of the artistic supervisor. Szczepan Kościński goes back to work at the PWSSP in Wrocław and Andrzej Skowroński (born in 1933)) a graduate of the Technical School of Ceramics (Technikum Ceramiczne) m Opoczno, becomes the plant’s technologist (1952-1956).
The heritage of the Bolesławiec designers can be admired in the Silesian Museum in Wrocław (Muzeum Śląskie -M.Ś.) at the exhibitions: The Polish Ceramics 1900-1952 (Ceramika Polska 1900-1952), M.Ś. (catalogue) (the ex-hibition officer and author of the catalogue, Maria Starzewska).
“At the beginning of 1952 I got an offer to work as the artistic supervisor in the CPLiA plant in Bolesławiec. I was of two minds about it for a long time and finally gave it up. Among the yellowed papers survived the filled out questionnaire, CV and a motivation letter (…) The office of the artistic supervisor went to my friend, Izabela Zdrzałka.” (edited by H. Feret-Karczewicz, quotation).

1951

The first products of the plant appear on the market -“slowly there were more and morę Bolesławiec vases in the Cepelia (CPLiA) shops” (edited by H. Feret, ąuotation). Izabela Zdrzałka gets employed in the paint shop.
“The paint shop came into being at the beginning of 1951. There were four young, nice and zealous employees. We started to teach how to paint with brushes, how to decorate with sponges, etc. In all likelihood I was working there as the supervisor but I am not sure of that. Simultaneously another group of friends of mine from the university in Wrocław came over: Zenobia Kawalec, Jadwiga Romanowska, Jerzy Widalis and Mieczysław Hoffman. The boys lived in the little room in the attic and we did on the second floor opposite the office. The conditions were spartan but we – young and undemanding. We used to go for lunch to a bar on the market, then to the PDT-shop to check up weather there was something new to “snatch up”. We would also see every single film at the cinema and go home every Sunday. (…) Our projects were sent to Wrocław where a committee would pick out some for the production. (…) Since July 17th 1951 I already worked in the Educational and Research Establishment of Ceramics at the PWSSP in Wrocław, therefore I do not remember who went to Bolesławiec for training as next” (edited by H. Feret-Karczewicz, quotation).
“Wykaz wzorów …” (ed, quotation) names the following people as the ornament and form designers: Halina Feret, Zofia Łopatowa, Anna Sawa, Izabela Zdrzałka, Halina Łepkowska-Giecewicz, Ewa Radomska, Aniela Daszuk, Dionizy Strzelbicki, Sandor Koczor, Irena Drózdż, Alicja Szurmińska-Krępowa.

1950

In March, by order of the State Committee of Economic Planning, a new branch of the Centre of the Folk and Artistic Industry (Cepelia) in Wrocław takes over the closed plant “Julius Paul und Sohn” in Bolesławiec at ul.Polna 19. Jan Loeffler, the technical director of the branch, seeks professional help by the Educational and Research Establishment of Ceramics (Zakład Naukowo Badawczy Ceramiki) as well as by the Ceramics Department at the PWSSP in Wrocław. Initially Mieczysław Pawełko and, since October 1950, Rudolf Krzywiec supervise the co-operation of the university with the plant.
The school sends to Bolesławiec an experienced moulder and technologist, Szczepan Kościński (l897-1970). He knows how to handle problems with production of ceramics. He graduated the three-year-long Professional Ceramics Course (zawodowy kurs ceramiki) at the Wrocław Trade School (Szkoła Handlowa) and for many years (sińce 1912) worked in the faience factories in Wrocław. After the war the central offices in Warsaw sends Kościński to different places where hę can help with reconstruction, as well as with training and organising the personnel. He goes to the Factory of the Porcelain Table Accessories “Krzysztof” (Fabryka Porcelany Stołowej) in Wałbrzych (1946-1947) and to the Ceramic Plant (Zakład Ceramiczny) in Tolkmicko near Elbląg (l947-1949). He also works as a technique teacher, moulder and technologist at the PWSSP m Wrocław (1949-1966).
Cepelia takes care and supervises the plant as well. Its representatives are Kazimiera Hulanicka from Wrocław and Kornelia Popławska from Warsaw. The following work in the first pioneer team: Józef Swiąder – a colleague of Kościński and subsequently his successor, Bronisław Romanowski (1990-1987) from Utropy near Stanisławowo, Zdzisław Pietrzakowski and Jerzy Gajewski, both modellers, the furnace foreman Paweł Petelewicz and the production foreman Wincenty Rumiński. The reminiscences of Halina Feret, a graduate of the university in Wrocław, who then gets employed in the plant, best depict the atmos-phere of those times: “(…) there was a possibility to go for a training to the ceramics plant in Bolesławiec (…)”. Mr Kościński, whom I well knew and was very fond of, was there the supervisor, which made the training even more appealing. In November 1950 my friend Hanka Sawa and I went to Bolesławiec. There at ul.Polna we found a little room in the attic, which was scarce but very warm. At the beginning we were sitting at a little table opposite one another and making projects for vases. Then they were produced by the means of German forms. Simultaneously we were getting to know the work of the particular depart ments of the factory. In the office there worked two middle-aged, married people. He was perhaps book-keeper, and she was sculptor. I remember she would make various fig-ures out of clay (…). When I came there in November, or at the latest at the beginnmg of December, the work in the plant was in fuli swing. I know for sure that it was Mieczysław Pawełko who set the factory in motion and that prof.Krzywiec only continued the co-operation with it sending there his students for training or writing their theses. (H, Feret-Karczewicz, correspondence with the author, 2000).
In ” Wykaz wzorów w bolesławieckim Muzeum Ceramiki” (notebook – draft, A4, manuscript) kept in the town’s Ceramics Museum the following people arę listed as the designers of the manufactured ornaments and dishes: Halina Feret, Zofia Łopatowa, Anna Sawa, Aniela Daszuk and PWSSP.