Explore "Sculpture for a Wall Unit": Polish Ceramic Design at National Museum in Warsaw

This exhibition showcases ceramic 'chamber sculptures' that were popular in Polish homes during the PRL era, adorning wall units. These modern, mass-produced figurines, featuring animals and human figures, were developed by designers from the Institute of Industrial Design in Warsaw and produced by Polish porcelain factories between 1956 and 1965.

The exhibition 'Rzeźba na meblościankę' (Sculpture for a Wall Unit) delves into the world of ceramic figurines that became a ubiquitous element of Polish interior design during the People's Republic of Poland (PRL) period. These charming 'chamber sculptures,' often depicting animals, athletes, and human figures, achieved international recognition and continue to captivate design enthusiasts today. The designs originated in the mid-1950s at the Institute of Industrial Design in Warsaw, with key contributions from designers Henryk Jędrasiak, Mieczysław Naruszewicz, Hanna Orthwein, and Lubomir Tomaszewski. The collection presented at the exhibition is exceptionally unique, consisting entirely of original models created under the direct supervision of these four prominent designers. These models, characterized by their modern sculptural modeling and unpainted decoration, were intended for mass production, aiming to make contemporary art and design accessible to individual consumers who wished to style their homes according to the latest trends. The figurines were widely manufactured by all Polish porcelain factories from 1956 to 1965, and this exhibition highlights their sculptural qualities and the distinctive formal language developed by their creators. The exhibition is accompanied by a rich program of events and a special thematic trail.