About historic stonework in Kraków

Anna Kulig

Abstract

Massive fragments of portals, mouldings, and columns which are stored in stone collections and museum storage rooms are today of no particular interest. They spur the visitors’ imagination only slightly; there, just a piece of stone, carved, yet incomplete, broken. Can this legacy, difficult in perception, be shown in a different way and made memorable? Can it be made close to the audience? The concepts of the pioneers of conservation of historical objects are worth referencing. Realized concepts testify for an attitude of respect towards the legacy and traditions. Gothic architectural details that were abandoned during demolitions of historical structures in the 19th century, have survived elsewhere, “incrusted” in other structures. It happened in the walls of Collegium Maius, The Bishop Erazm Ciołek Palace, Pusłowscy Palace, Lubomirscy Palace, Tadeusz Stryjeński Palace. They were often treated as native relics. Saved from destruction and from being forgotten they adorn facades, interiors and gardens. Perhaps the idea and the examples of stone collections will spur a reflection and inspiration in designers today.