Witold Malcuzynski (1914-1977) - pianist, winner of third prize at the Third International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in 1937. During World War II he volunteered for the Polish Army in France, thanks to I. Paderewski, he was assigned to artistic and propaganda work. During this period he traveled the world and gave concerts, gaining a reputation. He performed for the first time in post-war Poland in 1958. He was on a major world tour to celebrate the 100th anniversary of F. Chopin's death and 150th anniversary of his birth.
Handwritten dedication in pen (stating: To Mr. Gracjan Lepianko with cordial greetings W. Małcużyński. Warsaw June 1976) on the right margin (side) of the photograph (verso stamp of the author - Zofia Nasierowska) measuring 14.8 x 9.8 cm, glued(right) and mounted(left) in a sheet measuring 22.4 x 15.4 cm, on the verso of which stamp: Gabinet for the Repair of Works of Art and Artistic Objects Gracjan Lepianko Warsaw, Krak.-Przedm. 10.
Condition: sheet with minor creases, dirt, photograph with minor scratches and dirt on the surface(blue mark from the stamp on the forehead), and creases in the left corners(from dry mounting)
Nasierowska Zofia (1938 - 2011) - photographer, known as the "queen of Polish celebrity portraiture", honored by the International Federation of Photographic Art with the title Artiste FIAP. Her photographs were published by numerous Polish magazines including "Ekran", "Film" , "Przekrój". Winner of numerous awards at international exhibitions.
Gracjan Lepianko (1905 - 15 May 1991) - Warsaw restorer who ran the Office for the Repair of Works of Art and Artistic Objects for several decades at 10 Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. 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 studying 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.
