LECTURE: Tomasz Tomaszek (Rzeszów) : Polish Wooden Vernacular Architecture

Public Lecture : Wooden vernacular sacred architecture in Poland – Introduction and Preservation Issues

^{Image Source: Tomasz Tomaszek}

Following a brief introduction to typology and architecture of historic wooden vernacular churches in Poland the lecture will discuss the current issues on conservation and restoration of these structures.

Selected examples of temples belonging to national minorities (Ukrainians) living in Poland before World War II, and which temples are currently remain abandoned and ruined, will be presented. After mentioning the methods used to analyze the condition and state of preservation of these structures, as the essential part of the talk the possible conservation approach to these abandoned wooden churches will be discussed. This approach is a comprehensive model for dealing particularly with the wooden sacred build heritage of south-eastern Poland and has been developed to combine both issue of conservation of the architectural body as well the conservation of polychrome adoring the interiors of temples.

The whole subject will be shown from the perspective of the authenticity of a historic wooden building in the specific contextual situation that has been currently observed in Poland. The above-mentioned proposed conservation approach to abandoned wooden structures will be presented on the example of the Greek-Catholic church in Miękisz Stary. This temple, dating back to the 17th century, is a particularly interesting example of architecture of Ukrainian provenience which have remained preserved in the borderlands of Poland and Ukraine, and unfortunately is in very advance state of ruin.

The lecture will be completed with a discussion on the issue of restitution of iconostases to wooden Greek-Catholic churches located in Poland.

^{Image Source: Tomasz Tomaszek}

Associate Professor Tomasz Tomaszek is an internationally renowned expert on the conservation of historic timber structures. His research has encompassed timber vernacular structures across Europe, the Americas and Asia, offering a unique perspective and understanding of these buildings and the material of which they are constructed. Hosted by Professor Julie Willis, an expert architectural historian specialising in Australian architecture with strong knowledge of vernacular building techniques, with the Australian Centre for Architectural History, Urban and Cultural Heritage (ACAHUCH), Associate Professor Tomaszek will undertake an investigative and innovative research project into the conservation of the iconic timber slab hut, most closely associated with Australian High Country whilst undertaking the Macgeorge Fellowship. Tomazsek is joining ACAHUCH for February 2025, supported by the Macgeorge Bequest at the University of Melbourne.