Culture

March 30, 2023
Young Poland artists shaping the future through nature and rural life

I've always loved this poster by Teodor Axentowicz for the 1898 Society of Polish Artists exhibition. I took inspiration from it for Polish at Heart’s brand colours. The woman’s head...

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June 30, 2022
150 years of Moniuszko, the Father of Polish Opera

Stanisław Moniuszko’s songs and music are very closely entwined with Polish folk music and history and have accompanied me throughout my life. "You can reach the high notes", I was told as a...

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December 30, 2021
Young Poland art exhibition attracts new audiences

When you hear the name Wyspiański or Wyczółkowski you may think of pastel portraits or paintings of Polish peasants in the vast landscapes of Poland. Sadly little is known outside...

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August 31, 2021
The humble sosna pine tree of Poland

My family's quest for finding pine forests is quite legendary. Since childhood, I've been taught to look for the sosna (pine-tree) on walks in the countryside. Whether for grzyby (funghi),...

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May 28, 2021
Artist Jan Matejko – putting Poland on the map

The portrait of Jan Matejko’s “Copernicus: Conversations with God” recently arrived at the National Gallery in London. It is the first work of a Polish artist to be on show there and...

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December 30, 2019
Kuligi (sleigh rides) a sign of defiance?

This Christmas I've been dreaming of the Polish tradition and romance of kuligi (sleigh rides). Who wouldn't want to be sliding swiftly through the night underneath a frosty sky, behind...

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October 25, 2019
Chestnuts and Polish autumn songs

As the leaves start to fall around us and the last of summer's rays warm our limbs, the season of endings as well as new beginnings and great beauty drives...

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May 1, 2019
Why May is a special month for Poles

The month of May is bursting at the seams with important days for Poles, but some of the celebrations in Poland are very different to those we celebrate.  I would...

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December 4, 2018
Saint Nicholas, Święty Mikołaj or even Santa Claus – will he visit you on 6th?

When the cold wind bites and the rain patters on the window, listen carefully for a gentle knock on the door. If you open it even just a crack, the bajka...

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July 20, 2018
Polish Legend Lech, Czech and Rus – fact or fiction?

Ready for a fairytale? Or is there some truth in the legend of the three brothers, one of whom set up the Polish nation? Recently my harcerki (girl scouts) were...

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