Jakubowice chamber (1950/1965) by Alfons DługoszCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
In the late 1940s, the salt mine management planned to decommission many of the historic workings. The priority at the time was salt production - a scarce product. The mining heritage became endangered.
Alfons Dlugosz comes to the rescue. An artist photographer, cultural animator, admirer of the mining heritage. A man of great passion.
Miner in old mine (1950/1965) by Alfons DługoszCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
He manages to obtain permission from the mine to penetrate the galleries. He is assisted by an experienced miner, Franciszek Krzeczkowski, who remembers the mine from the times of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
His vast knowledge and excellent knowledge of the Mine's topography allows him to locate the most valuable artefacts, which will later find their place in the Museum's exhibition.
A chamber after leaching (1950/1965) by Alfons DługoszCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
Miners Jan Wąsik and Jan Rojek also join the search group. Together they traverse tens of kilometers of forgotten, dark and dangerous galleries.
Old mine (1950/1965) by Alfons DługoszCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
They explore underground passageways to retrieve forgotten mining tools, huge machines, fossils and other evidence of the site's history.
Miner with lamp (1950/1965) by Alfons DługoszCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
The artifacts thus acquired become the nucleus of the Wieliczka Museum and are put on display as early as 1951.
The Hungarian-style horse mill (19th century) by UnknownCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
The initially inconspicuous museum institution became so important that ten years later it began to report directly to the Ministry of Culture and the Arts. Dlugosz, who remained its director, oversaw the creation of the modern museum, which was ceremonially opened in 1966.
A horse-mill, called “the Pole” (17th century) by UnknownCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
On display, of course, were the huge horse-powered hoisting machinery
excavated during the penetration and rescued. The largest of them from the 17th century, is 16 meters long. Collection gave the impetus for the Salt Mine's inclusion on the UNESCO list.
Miner by the old cart (1950/1965) by Alfons DługoszCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
Dlugosz's merits are immense. His pioneering penetrations of abandoned pits led to the inventory and rescue of priceless original hoisting machinery. The artist also left behind a wonderful photographic documentation.
Alone miner in the dark (1950/1950) by Alfons DługoszCracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka
