Monumental arrangements of the Łysa Góra ceramic panels in the decoration of church buildings

Abstract

Ceramic panels produced since 1960 in the “Kamionka” cooperative in Łysa Góra are one of the most versatile materials used for architectural decorations. They made it possible to create small “ceramic accents” as well as large-scale and monumental works. Compositions made of Łysa Góra panels, at first found mainly in secular buildings, started to appear in church architecture from the mid-1960s. The earliest was the cladding on the facade of the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Piaseczno by Krzysztof Henisz in 1965. The article presents realisations found in Polish and foreign churches. Most of the discussed compositions were created in the period when new rules of organisation resulting from the recommendations of the Second Vatican Council were introduced into church interiors. This important theme is also highlighted in the article. The last mentioned work - the altar wall in Harmęże by Anna Praxmayer - was created in the 21st century, just before the definitive demise of the factory in Łysa Góra.