Young Poland: An Arts and Crafts Movement (1890 – 1918) is the first major exhibition to explore the decorative arts and architecture of Young Poland (Młoda Polska), an extraordinary cultural movement that flourished in response to Poland’s invasion and occupation by foreign powers. Originating in Kraków and the nearby village of Zakopane at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Young Poland sought inspiration in local folk traditions, wildlife and craftsmanship while collapsing the distinction between the fine and applied arts.

Developing themes explored in a critically acclaimed book by its curators (Lund Humphries, 2020), the exhibition is the first in the world to position Young Poland as an Arts & Crafts movement, revealing strong stylistic and philosophical affinities with the work of William Morris and John Ruskin.

From furniture to Christmas decorations, intricate textiles to delicate paper cuttings, this landmark survey spans five galleries and brings together over 150 works, most of which have never travelled outside of Poland. Young Poland: An Arts and Crafts Movement (1890 – 1918) examines the ideas that propelled the movement and introduces the artists, designers and craftspeople whose decorative schemes and objects came to define it.

Artists featured in the exhibition include Józef Czajkowski, Zdzisław Gedliczka, Wojciech Jastrzębowski, Karol Kłosowski, Józefa Kogut, Bonawentura Lenart, Jacek Malczewski, Jan Matejko, Józef Mehoffer, Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska,
Henryk Uziembło, Stanisław Wyspiański and Stanisław Witkiewicz. Exhibition organised in partnership with the National Museum in Kraków and the Polish Cultural Institute, London. Co-financed by the Polish Minister of Culture, National Heritage and Sport within the framework of the Inspiring Culture Programme.

October 9 2021 – 30 January 2022

Curated by Julia Griffin, Andrzej Szczerski and Roisin Inglesby

William Morris Gallery
Forest Road
London E17 4PP
Nearest station: Walthamstow Central
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Admission free. Advance booking recommended
www.youngpolandartsandcrafts.org.uk