The first woodcut workshop in Podkarpacie was established in Płazów, in the Roztocze region. This location isn't coincidental, as it was once the site where local artists produced woodcuts, now constituting one of the most valuable collections in Poland
The method of creating woodcuts was already known in the Middle Ages. This art involves creating a drawing on wood and then carving out the background. This way, the drawing became raised, then paint was applied to it and transferred onto paper. It worked similarly to today's stamps and seals. These drawings mostly depicted saints and biblical scenes, and they were sold at religious fairs.
The story was no different in Płazów, a small village in Roztocze. Here, the woodcut traditions were initiated by Mateusz Kostrzycki (according to some sources, Maciej) in 1830. He prepared the imprints, while his wife, Ludwika, handled sales. These woodcuts adorned not only the interiors of homes but were also hung in stables, shrines, and religious objects. After the pioneer of woodcutting passed away, his son Maciej continued the tradition. Unfortunately, he had no successors interested in continuing this extremely laborious art. Additionally, in the 19th century, lithographs became increasingly popular. They were much cheaper to produce and, most importantly, durable. Thus, woodcut production in Płazów declined.
The wooden blocks, no longer needed, caught the interest of the Dembowski Family from Zakopane. They contributed to preserving the last remnants of this folk art. A total of 22 woodcuts were preserved, featuring images of Saint Nicholas, Saint Casimir, and Saint Anthony, among others. Later, the entire collection was divided and ended up in various hands, ultimately reuniting to complete the collection of the Ethnographic Museum in Krakow.
In this way, the Płazów woodcuts were preserved and presented to a wider audience. Unfortunately, their place of origin remains relatively unknown. Fortunately, thanks to the initiative of Anna Serkis-Wojtowicz, Józef Lewkowicz and Grzegorz Ciećka, a local artists fascinated by this folk art, this is set to change. They aim to revive this art form.
To spread knowledge about woodcutting and its history in the Podkarpacie region, the Woodcut Workshop in Płazów was established. This extraordinary space found its home in a former elementary school. Now, the interiors of this building come alive with educational processes centered around woodcutting.
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