Cech rzemiosł różnych - historia

First mention about the activities of cabinetmakers in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska comes from 1786. At that time there were about 40 of them while in 1896 that number increased up to 70, n the town of 1,500 or so.
In 1885 the first guild organisation was established in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, as evidenced by the first entry in the members' register of Stowarzyszenie Rzemieślnicze [Association of Artisans] of December 15, 1885. That fact was also mentioned in the 'Czas' magazine or Lvov and on February 21, 1887 the Association was formally entered into the court register.
In 1887 local authorities of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska opened here a National School of Cabinetmaking. It was the first public school preparing future artisans in the craft of artistic furniture manufacturing.

Despite the world economic crisis in the thirties of 20th century, activities of the cabinetmakers' craft organisation were quite impressive. As a result of their efforts, in 1930 1st Kalwaria Fair was organised. Main markets for Kalwaria furniture were in Małopolska, Rzeszow, Radom, and Górny ¦l±sk, however, some smaller shipments were also sent to ŁódĽ, Warszawa and Lvov. In 1935 the Chamber of Crafts came with an initiative of establishing Co-operative of Cabinetmakers 'Stolarz'. Its statutory activities included, among others, supplying the crafts market.

At the same time two more organisations were established: Towarzystwo Targów Kalwaryjskich [Society of Kalwaria Fairs] and Inter-communal Organisation Supporting Cabinetmaking Of Kalwaria And Minor Rural Crafts. In 1938 the construction of an Exhibition Hall was started and as soon as July 16, 1939 9th Kalwaria Fair was held in a still unfinished building.

After the II World War the Guild continued its activities till 1949, then its operations were suspended until reactivation on August 12, 1955. In 1995, to celebrate 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Guild for Various Crafts in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, members of the Guild opened a new Furniture Exhibition Centre. Its construction was completed from donations of the Guild members. Furthermore, in 1994 the Guild repossessed the first original Exhibition Hall 'Okręglak'.

The most dynamic growth of the Kalwaria craft has occurred during this century. At its beginnings the most popular form was secession, namely heavy cabinets made of massive wood, usually in walnut or mahogany veneer. In the period from 1925 to1930 artisans followed the then modern style, furniture simple in form and functional made from massive wood veneered and French polished. After the II World War the form of Kalwaria furniture has changed completely. Customer tailored orders have become the most frequent practice. Besides the traditional dining, bedroom and study sets, the offer included more of segment-type furniture manufactured in flat finished. The most current changes in the market have forced the manufacturers to diversify range of products even more. This involves exploiting a wide range of colours and using the newest materials and technologies.

At present Kalwaria artisans take advantage of the newest technologies and use materials being the latest inventions of the technological research. The style of the furniture depends upon customers' taste and varies from retro form to the modern compact solutions for contemporary apartments. Small, family workshops are able to carry to everyone's taste. Constantly growing percentage of the turnover is realised on large projects involving complex furnishing of whole houses, offices and various corporate facilities. Such projects are being carried out with the support of local designers, as well as in the co-operation of some third parties. A variety of forms can be seen at the exhibitions opened for the public at the two Exhibition Halls: at Mickiewicza 2 and Jagiellońska 6. The exhibitions present works of 111 cabinetmakers and are available throughout the year. The products are also shown at other domestic fairs, including Poznań, Krakow, Katowice and Kielce. Furthermore, the offer can be viewed via Internet, as well.

At present the Guild encompasses 531 artisans' workshops, including 261 cabinetmakers, 225 shoemakers, 46 upholstery workshops and 44 others. This year all the workshops together have provided vocational training for 784 students. In the period from 1955 to 1999 the apprenticeship diploma was obtained by over 10.000 students receiving their vocational training in the craft of a cabinetmaker.