Kazimierz Brandys (1916-2000)- prose writer, essayist, author of film scripts
Handwritten dedication in pen(which reads: To Professor Gracjan Lepianka with admiration for his art of saving the life of inanimate objects. 5.9.62 Kazimierz Brandys.) at the bottom of the sheet, measuring 22.7 x 15.6 cm, into which an original photograph of Kazimierz Brandys, measuring 13.1 x 9.9 cm, has been inserted(on its back stamp: Lucjan Fogiel Fotoreporter of "Życie Warszawy" Warsaw, Marszałkowska 3/5.... Publication permitted on condition that the author is mentioned and a royalty is paid... "ZAIKS"), verso sheet stamp: Gabinet Naprawy Dzieł Sztuki i Przedm. Artystycznych Gracjan Lepianko Warsaw, Krak.-Przedm. 10.
Condition: sheet slightly yellowed, with minor creases and soiling, photograph unevenly cut, with minor damage in corners (from dry mounting) and margins.
Gracjan Lepianko (1905 - 15 May 1991) - a Warsaw restorer who ran the Office for the Repair of Works of Art and Artistic Objects at 10 Krakowskie Przedmieście Street for several decades. He graduated from the Schools of Drawing and Painting at 9 Wierzbowa Street, the School of Applied Art at Chmielna Street and the School of Decorative Arts at Myśliwiecka Street, earning the title of master decorative painter and master of artistic metal products. He began studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, but the financial situation forced him to interrupt his studies and take up a job. He became self-employed in 1931 and changed locations several times(before, 1952, he ended up in Krakowskie Przedmieście). He was passionate about sports, training amateur boxing and wrestling. During World War II, a passion for reviving "dead"/destroyed objects awoke in him. He not only repaired but also collected antiques. After the war he became very popular, there were films about him, mentions in the press and guidebooks. Visited by numerous celebrities(of many fields), who sometimes left commemorative entries.