To refire the old kiln
The Museum of Gorka Ceramics presents three generations of a family of artists
MúzeumCafé 26.
The legendary golden threesome of 20th-century Hungarian ceramics comprises Géza Gorka, István Gádor and Margit Kovács who were of the same generation although their successful creative periods were not necessarily identical (Margit Kovács, was not particularly prominent during the late Art Deco period of the 20s and 30s, which brought both popularity and financial success to Gorka and Gádor). All three were honoured artists who were showered with commissions, especially during the 60s. So it is interesting to see how the three oeuvres are esteemed today and whether the public has a chance to see and appreciate their work. Margit Kovács was a favourite of the cultural authorities and while she was still alive her museum turned into a cult tourist attraction. Following renovation it would again like to regain its old shine. The museum in Géza Gorka’s own home and studio opened in line with the artist’s wishes. István Gádor, former head of department at the College of Applied Arts, left behind several thousand art objects which have been waiting to be presented to the public for a quarter of a century. The Gorka Ceramic Exhibition Society was founded in 2008 in order to breathe life into the studio functioning as a gallery today. The plan is to operate it from the fees of an art school, the donations of supporting members, the income from an envisaged catering unit and the sale of pottery made on the premises, plus financial support from the EU. As a first step the society is approaching specialists in the profession, namely potters, since they can reckon on some income from an auction selling art objects offered by them. It’s hoped that could be enough to start off the wood burning kiln which hasn’t been fired for over 40 years. The final aim is to establish an international art centre.