Z cyklu: Znani kolekcjonerzy krakowscy — rozmowa z Matyldą Selwą

Abstract

INTERVIEW WITH MATYLDA SELWA

Matylda Selwa was born in Cracow. She is a lawyer by profession. Presently she is a vice-president of the Cracow Collector’s Club. She is also a member of the Board of the Polish Federation of Collecting Organizations.
She became attracted to collecting passion in her family home; her father, Stanislaw Selwa was a well known philatelist. He also collected exotic butterflies.
The principal role in M. Selwa’s collection is played by the patriotic jewellery and a special jewellery from the time of the national mourning before, during, and many years after the January Insurrection (1863-1864), popular on the whole territory of Poland and especially on the lands under the Russian rule. Coral beads, brooches, tie pins, bracelets, rings and crosses worn as mementos can be listed as examples.
There is also an abundant collection of ceramics. Matylda Selwa collects Cracow faiences from Dębniki and Skawina factories. She also has some items manufactured in other ceramics factories, including Bochnia, Ćmielów, Baranówka, Potyliczna, Pacyków and Vilna. There is also a rich collection of western ceramics, especially French and English, in her collection.
Another important collection includes fashion accessories. These are kontusz and other buttons, lace, snuff-boxes, hatpins, belt buckles, fans and many other items.
Matylda Selwa has shown her collection at many exhibitions. She was awarded a special medal for her merits for culture and for the community.