Decanter

Following the end of the Second World War, efforts were made in the Western and Northern Territories to economically and socially amalgamate the former lands with the gained areas along the Oder and Lusatian Neisse. However, the redevelopment of the post-German areas was hampered by the lack of skilled workers, especially the intelligentsia with a background in engineering and economics. This made the role of those who undertook the effort of adaptation in alien, often extremely difficult conditions all the more important, laying the foundations for the identity of the new citizens of the region. One of them was Helena Kurcyusz (1914-1999), a Polish architect and town planner, who settled in Szczecin in May 1945, making a lasting mark on its history. As a co-organiser of the Baudienst (building service), she contributed to the formulation of simplified spatial development plans for the cities of the former Szczecin Province, creating a number of local projects. At the same time, she took part in the most important post-war spatial planning decisions for the region. Kurcyuszowa moved into a villa at ul. Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 7, taking over the household décor such as furniture and tableware, including the featured glass decanter, from its previous owners. The object, along with other personal items belonging to the architect, was donated to the collection of the National Museum in Szczecin after her death in 1999. Anna Lew-Machniak