Jan Tadeusz Ścibior – outdoor photography exhibition
About
Jan Tadeusz Ścibior (1914–1999) was a prominent photographer, visual artist, and respected regional historian from Chełm. Born in Lublin, he moved to Chełm with his family at the age of six and resided there until his death in 1999.
In 1936, he graduated from the Teacher’s Seminary, where his mentors significantly influenced him: Kazimierz Andrzej Jaworski, a poet and Russian literature translator, and Zenon Wiśniewski, a painter who fostered his passion and talent for art.
Two years later, Ścibior began teaching in Dederkały Małe, but the outbreak of World War II interrupted his career. He fought as a second lieutenant during the September campaign near Zamość, Lublin, and Chełm. During the occupation, he was an active member of the resistance movement in Chełm. In 1944, he volunteered for the First Armored Corps of the Polish People’s Army (LWP), serving as a liaison officer. He participated in combat operations through Warsaw, Poznań, Berlin, Dresden, and near Prague, returning to Chełm in 1946.
For over fifty years, from 1946 to 1997, Ścibior ran his photography studio at 12 Lubelska Street in Chełm. This was a special place where, reflecting the spirit of the times, people came to capture significant life events: weddings, births, military call-ups, communions, and other moments to be preserved in family albums.
As Elżbieta Łubowicz wrote in the 2010 album Ocalałe Fotografie (Surviving Photographs), published on the 10th anniversary of his death, “Tadeusz’s photographs carry the breath of an era, as if looking back a full century…” These words perfectly encapsulate the artist’s style: meticulously composed, technically sound, and artfully arranged images that tell a visual story about the subjects.
Described as intentionally subjective, his photographs capture authentic moments, revealing individuals without the stiff, posed masks common in many portraits. This unique approach is particularly evident in the portraits of those he knew well.
Beyond his photography, Jan Tadeusz Ścibior was a vital facilitator and organizer of Chełm’s cultural life, deeply fascinated by its history and traditions. He co-founded the Association of Friends of the Chełm Land in 1959, the Club of Amateur Artists in 1958, and both the Chełm Photo Club and the Film Club “Miś” in 1961.
For his professional and social contributions, he received numerous accolades, including the Bronze Medal “Meritorious on the Field of Glory,” the Badge “Meritorious Cultural Activist,” the Gold Cross of Merit, and the Silver J. Kiliński Medal “For Services to Polish Craft.”
At this exhibition, visitors can explore the breadth of his talent, with works featuring not only portraits but also architectural studies, landscapes, and genre scenes.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the immediate family of Jan Tadeusz Ścibior for their invaluable support in organising this exhibition. Special gratitude goes to Elżbieta Kropp, Małgorzata Kropp, Ewa Ścibior-Derlak, and Wojciech Derlak.
Event Details
When: 1 – 31 July 2025
Where: The Hartwig Alley
Outdoor exhibition