Jan Krenz (1926-2020) - in 1943 his First String Concerto was performed at an occupation concert. He graduated with honors from the Academy of Music in Lodz in 1947 (conducting and K. Wiłkomirski, composition with K. Sikorski). He made his debut as a conductor in 1946. For several decades of activity, he led numerous orchestras(domestic and foreign), performed in many countries (in 1963, he went on the longest tour in the history of Polish ensembles with the Grand Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio, during which he gave 55 concerts). He composed music for such films as: "Kanal", "Ashes and Diamonds", "Zezowate szczęście", "Eroica". He has received numerous awards and decorations for his work and activities.
Handwritten dedication in pink pen (stating: To Master Gracjan Lepianko with sincere appreciation for his subtle art. JKrenz XI-967) under a photograph measuring 17.5 x 12.8 cm, mounted in a sheet measuring 22.8 x 15.9 cm,on the verso of which is 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.
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.