Stefan Dybowski, a.k.a. "Wojciech Brandos" (1903-1970) - pedagogue, social and political activist MP for the Sejm 1947-52 and at that time Minister of Culture and Art, bibliophile, bibliographer, member of the Society of Friends of the Book.
Handwritten, rhymed dedication in pen(which reads: Master Gracjan Lepianko may he live for us, may he develop, may he sticky for us what the other smashes, may he glue, pick and graft everything that is old, beautiful and entertain our eye with love for antiquities Stefan Dybowski 24 XI 1963) on the bottom of the sheet measuring 22.9 x 15.8 cm. In the sheet(on its verso stamp: Gabinet of Repair of Works of Art and Artistic Objects Gracjan Lepianko Warsaw, Krak.-Przedm. 10.) inserted photograph, 6.6 x 4.2 cm(marked with stamp on the back 1961-4).
Condition: on the sheet soiling, stains, small creases and cracks, photograph slightly soiled.
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.