The Vocational School of Ceramics in Bolesławiec
An institution that changed the image of Bolesławiec pottery
The Vocational School of Ceramics in Bunzlau (Bolesławiec) (1897) by author unknownMuseum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec
Back then, in Bolesławiec...
Bolesławiec (formerly Bunzlau), called the city of ceramics or the city of good clay, has been famous for the production of stoneware vessels for centuries. Ceramic products, known and appreciated all over the world, are the best showcase of the city and a source of pride for its inhabitants.
P. Gleisberg's pottery workshop (early 20th century) by author unknownMuseum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec
90's
In 1893, there were over 30 pottery manufactories in Bolesławiec.
Ceramic school
In 1893, there were over 30 pottery manufactories in Bolesławiec.
The Vocational School of Ceramics in Bunzlau (Bolesławiec) (1897) by author unknownMuseum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec
After several years of efforts, on November 1, 1897, the Royal Vocational School of Ceramics was officially opened, located in a newly built building at Schützenstraβe (now Tyrankiewiczów Street).
After several years of efforts, on November 1, 1897, the Royal Vocational School of Ceramics was officially opened, located in a newly built building at Schützenstraβe (now Tyrankiewiczów Street).
Electronic School Complex (2019) by G. MatorynMuseum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec
After World War I, the facility was renamed the State Vocational School of Ceramics. Today, the building houses the Electronic School Complex.
The school was headed by Wilhelm Pukall - a chemist from the Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Berlin, who focused the curriculum on strengthening the technical knowledge and developing the artistic skills of students.
Students learn how to compose glazes
Parallel to the educational activity, the School supported the introduction of new production methods in Bolesławiec pottery manufactories. As a result, mechanical potter's wheels and other machines started to be used, old kilns were replaced with modern ones reducing fuel consumption, and the pottery masters themselves decided to apply plaster models and molds.
Pottery plant in Bolesławiec/Bunzlau (early 20th century) by author unknownMuseum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec
Production of ceramics based on plaster molds
The school staff also took care to modernise and diversify the design of Bolesławiec products. They designed vessel forms, refined the recipes of ceramic masses and developed new, attractive glazes. They also helped overcome the technical difficulties involved in implementing these innovations.
The manufactories of Hugo Reinhold, Alfred Seiffert, Robert Burdack, Karl Werner, Kurt Randhahn and Julius Paul cooperated particularly actively with the School. As a result, Bolesławiec pottery amazed with the variety of forms and decorations: beside stamped underglaze ornaments, drip and crystalline glazes, the inlay technique, sprayed and slip designs were offered.
In 2009, the Museum of Ceramics received an extremely valuable collection of works made by professors and students of the Vocational School of Ceramics, donated by Brigitte Werner, the daughter of Dr. Ernst Büttner, the last headmester of this institution.
Vase from the Brigitte Werner's collection
Vase from the Brigitte Werner's collection
Jug from the Brigitte Werner's collection
