Kolekcjonerka. Teresa Szwedkowicz: Exploring Private Collecting and Folk Art Exhibitions

This exhibition explores private collecting and the anthropology of things through the lens of Teresa Szwedkowicz's collection of Opoczno embroideries and folk costumes. It highlights the relationship between objects and people, focusing on passion, heritage, and the cultural significance of textiles.

The exhibition "Kolekcjonerka. Teresa Szwedkowicz (1930 – 2001)" delves into the world of private collecting and the anthropology of things, using the extensive collection of Opoczno embroideries and folk costumes amassed by Teresa Szwedkowicz as its central example. Szwedkowicz, an art and technical education teacher from Opoczno, dedicated over 40 years to gathering approximately 5,000 objects, primarily focusing on bridal wear and wedding attire elements such as shirts, towels, and bed linens, alongside photographs related to family rituals. This exhibition is the first in Poland to showcase not only the collected items but also Szwedkowicz's personal journey, her interactions with the embroiderers, her working methods, and her efforts to popularize her collection. It investigates the profound connections between individuals and objects, and the enduring legacy of intangible heritage, particularly embroidery. Her collection is intrinsically linked to the experiences of women, both in its creation by female embroiderers and its focus on items traditionally associated with women's lives and rituals. This thematic thread aligns with the 'herstory' perspective, examining history through the lens of women's experiences. The exhibition presents characteristic elements of the Opoczno costume, including linen and wool clothing fabrics, home textiles like towels, pillowcases, tablecloths, and napkins, as well as paper cut-outs and Easter eggs. Complementing these material artifacts is a collection of photographs and glass negatives Szwedkowicz meticulously cataloged and described, alongside her activity chronicles. The exhibition adopts an interactive approach, allowing visitors to engage with some of the objects. It also touches upon memory practices and intangible heritage, acknowledging embroidery as a significant cultural tradition. Teresa Szwedkowicz was also a creator herself, learning embroidery and folk art techniques and producing her own pieces, which then became part of her collection and cultural heritage.

This is a temporary exhibition available from September 17, 2024, to February 25, 2025. Descriptions and texts within the exhibition space are translated into English. The exhibition is designed according to universal design principles for diverse audiences. An exhibition catalog is available for download as a PDF file.