Jaroslaw Iwaszkiewicz(1894-1980)-one of the most prominent Polish poets and writers of the 20th century, five times nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature, activist- long-time president of the Association of Polish Writers (1959-1980) and member of the Sejm of the Polish People's Republic(1952-1980), repeatedly awarded and decorated.
Handwritten dedication in pen (stating: To Mr. Gracjan Lepianka with great cordiality ___ Jaroslaw Iwaszkiewicz 23.I.1960) underneath a photograph measuring 13.2 x 8.9cm(on its verso a faint stamp R.S.W. "Prasa" Central Photographic Agency Warsaw 16 Foksal St., Reproduction rights reserved, overwritten in pencil 34726-4 740) mounted in a sheet measuring 22.3 x 15.4 cm, on the verso of which a stamp: Gabinet for the Repair of Works of Art and Artistic Objects Gracjan Lepianko Warsaw, Krak.-Przedm. 10.
Condition: sheet with minor creases, soiling, photograph with creased corners (from dry mounting), minor scratches and soiling on surface (dot on forehead).
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, obtaining 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.
