Neighbours: From Birth to Death – The Photographic World of Franciszek Lepich | Photography Workshop

About

Welcome to the Lublin edition of the exhibition “Neighbours: From Birth to Death,” This project, originally presented by the Opole Village Museum based on a 2021 initiative, showcases a collection of portraits by amateur photographer Franciszek Lepich from Oleszka.

Dating back to the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, the remarkable discovery of these photographs came in the form of their original glass negatives, unearthed in 2016. The images depict residents of Oleszka, Jasiona, and Żyrowa, villages located in the Krapkowice district, near Mount Saint Anne in Opole Silesia (formerly part of Germany until 1945).

Lepich’s photographs, beyond their artistic merit, serve as a unique record of rural life in Opolian Silesia. Arranged into a cycle titled “From Birth to Death,” they capture the essential stages of life for the region’s inhabitants, offering a glimpse into Opolian Silesia’s history and culture.

Born in 1909, Lepich was an amateur photographer, a wheelwright and carpenter who, throughout his adult life, documented his community through photography. Without a set plan, he captured a diverse cross-section of society: individuals in traditional attire, working in their professions, surrounded by everyday objects. He photographed people of all ages, both men and women, at home, in natural settings, and against architectural backdrops. These images collectively portray the multi-generational character of the Oleszka community.

Unfortunately, much of Lepich’s work was lost during World War II. However, a remarkable collection of 750 original glass negatives from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s survived. Discovered in 2016 at the home of Lepich’s son, Berthold, these negatives were secured and digitised by the local heritage association from Żyrowa. In 2019, the Opole Village Museum recognised the historical significance of this collection.

The 2021 project aimed to preserve Lepich’s legacy. The valuable photographs were digitised and processed, forming the basis for this exhibition. The project also encompasses a published catalogue, film, and a dedicated website: www.franciszeklepich.pl. By combining these elements, the project ensures that Lepich’s work continues to inform and inspire audiences for generations to come.

Magdalena Górniak-Bardzik

Curator

Details

When: 5-30 August
Where: The Hartwig Alley
Outdoor exhibition

Accessibility

Ask about accessibility: https://forms.gle/h9h1Pymro8BPd3hi9

Read about our accessibility and get in touch: https://warsztatykultury.pl/en/accessibility/

Exhibit Organisers in Lublin:  Opole Village Museum, Workshops of Culture in Lublin Partners: Nasze Dziedzoctwp Association in Żyrowa, 2.8 Foundation