Gathered since 1961, the amber collection currently numbers close to 2,000 exhibits, among which are specimens of natural amber, artistic items from the Neolithic to the interwar period, and selected objects showcasing contemporary Polish and international amber art. It is renowned for its unique amber masterpieces – among the most valuable are, inter alia, a casket and reliquary by Michel Redlin and a casket by Christoph Maucher, as well as later ones: a casket traditionally associated with King Stanisław Leszczyński and the cabinet of Stanisław August Poniatowski. Also worthy of note are contemporary works of amber art, the vast majority of which were created in the studios of well-known Polish and foreign artists and designers, inter alia,. Jarosław Westermark, Paulina Binek, Sławomir Fijałkowski, Manuel Vilhena and Fabrizio Tridenti. Recently, the Malbork collection has been enriched with an exceptional 17th-century amber altar in the form of a crucifix in its original case, which was made in a Gdańsk workshop.
Recommended: A 17th-century amber altarpiece - a new acquisition for the Malbork Museum
Amber inspirations of young fashion designers
An unusual pretext for recalling the magnificence of the amber collection at the Malbork Castle Museum was an amber-themed fashion show entitled „Amber: A Phenomenon of Nature and Culture”. The Grand Refectory of the Malbork castle, where in the Middle Ages the Grand Masters hosted their guests at lavish banquets, filled with amber enthusiasts – something easily recognised by their jewellery creations featuring amber as the main element. The event opened with a presentation of works by the winners of the Jagoda Komorowska „Black on White” National Fashion Competition for young designers. It was organised for the second time by the Jacek Mydlarski Fine Arts High School in Gdańsk and the Admiral Józef Unrug General Secondary School of Individual Programmes in Gdańsk. For this edition, the leading theme was „The Magic of Amber in Fashion”, and amber inspirations could be found not only in the fabric colours or decorative elements.
Modern amber jewellery
Amber is commonly associated with jewellery, so it could not be missing from this show either. Its contemporary design was presented at its best by leading Polish jewellery designers Aleksander Gliwiński and Ireneusz Glaza. Timeless design and spectacular spatial forms of jewellery perfectly matched Magdalena Arłukiewicz’s clothing collection, based on classical patterns and the idea of deconstruction. The subtlety of the timeless jewellery by Ireneusz Glaza, who finds his inspiration in nature, was emphasised by a collection of feminine dresses by Barbara Piekut.
Amber. A phenomenon of nature and culture
26 August 2023
Organisers Malbork Castle Museum, the OKO-LICE KULTURY Foundation and the Notabene Pomeranian Foundation for the Protection of Monuments
Models: female pupils of the Janina Jarzynówna-Sobczak General Ballet School in Gdańsk
Music: Ryszard's team
Photos: © KEENYS STUDIO
