Young Poland 1890-1918: An Arts and Crafts Movement

Co-curated with Julia Griffin and Professor Andrzej Szczerski, Young Poland 1890-1918 was 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. 

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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. The exhibition was 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.

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

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The project also featured a new commission from Marcin Rusak.

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The exhibition was held at the William Morris Gallery from October 2021 to January 2022 and was organised in partnership with the National Museum in Kraków and the Polish Cultural Institute, London. 

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Exhibition design by Simon Milthorp and Fernando Lai Couto, build by Odel Jeffries.