After a delicious lunch in the garden at Ann Rutherford’s, four of us decided to visit the Horniman Museum and look at the paper-cuts – Wycinanki, a traditional Polish folk-art. As any who have visited the Horniman will know, these were displayed in the gallery on the balcony, perfectly framed with neatly displayed information alongside. They first appearing in the C19th, when the papercuts decorated the inside walls of rural homes and were replaced by new ones each Easter. These were made exclusively by women using sheep shears to cut the detailed designs.
Two regions specialise in this art:– Kurpie: plain papercuts, round or star shapes gwiazdy and most popularly feature cockerels.
Those from Kowicz are multicoloured, rectangular kodry, often with scenes of weddings and everyday life. Also vertical tasiemki lacy panels with floral decoration.
At a table with chairs a brief video shows papercut techniques from very basic through to more advanced and with animals. Using scissors. Helen Miazek makes contemporary heart designs for gifts at weddings and cut paper designs to decorate Easter eggs.
This was a small brief overview of an interesting folk art, and should you be in the area, the Horniman is an interesting stop for a visit. The park and surrounding gardens are lovely and there is a modern café.
NB. The Horniman
The (free) aquarium in the basement is perfect for small grandchildren and surprisingly the stuffed animals still appeal. The African gallery is well displayed (I love the voodoo!) and there is the famous musical instruments gallery. Interesting planting in the gardens. Be aware that in recent years special exhibitions like the papercuts have been good but quite small so don’t travel from Birmingham specially for one of these – but you could combine it with a visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery.