The book presents over one hundred examples of toys produced between late 19th century and mid-20th century, all from the collection of the Seweryn Udziela Ethnographic Museum in Kraków. The authors focus solely on folk toys made of wood and clay that were the by-products of potter's and woodworkers' workshops. Masons and other seasonal workers from the city and its neighborhood made toys at home in winter months. In spring, their products were in high demand at annual Kraków fairs accompanying church holidays. Following in the footsteps of Kraków tradition and folklore are the toys produced in ‘Warsztaty Krakowskie’ – a vocational association gathering professional artists and amateurs, which operated by the Museum of Technology and Industry (1913–1926). This toy-making workshop engaged recognised painters and printmakers as designers.

The Charm of Kraków Toys
Book concept: Małgorzata Oleszkiewicz, Grażyna Pyla
Language: Polish, English
Graphic design: Jakub Sowiński
Hardcover, colour illustrations, 168 pages, 23,5 x 29,5 cm
Publisher: The Seweryn Udziela Ethnographic Museum in Kraków, Kraków, 2007