In the entrance and the members areas hang many portraits painted by Barbara Kaczmarowska-Hamilton. These include members of the Royal Family, as well as other well-known personalities associated with Ognisko Polskie.

The ballroom on the first floor has often been used as an exhibition area. Its high ceilings and its light open space lend themselves to a wide variety of displays. When the Club officially reopened after its extensive refurbishment in 2013, the space was used for an exhibition of modern art and design by young Polish artists, symbolising the vibrant, enthusiastic and forward thinking new outlook of Ognisko Polskie.

ART

Pastels on canvas 1989

RYCZARD KACZOROWSKI
BARBARA KACZMAROWSKA HAMILTON

Ryszard Kaczorowski, 26 november 1919 – 10 april 2010 was a Polish statesman. He was a frequent visitor to Ognisko Polskie.

Between 1989 and 1990 he served as the last President of Poland in exile. He succeeded Kazimierz sabbat and resigned his post following Poland’s regaining independence from the soviet sphere of influence and election of lech Wałesa as the first democratically elected president of Poland since World War II. He also passed the presidential insignia to Wałesa, thus ending the 45-years long episode of the Polish government in exile.

He died on 10 april 2010 in a plane crash near smolensk, Russia, along with the President of Poland lech Kaczynski and 94 others.

EXHIBITIONS

The ballroom on the first floor has often been used as an exhibition area. Its high ceilings and its light open space lend themselves to a wide variety of displays. When the Club officially reopened after its extensive refurbishment in 2013, the space was used for an exhibition of modern art and design by young Polish artists, symbolising the vibrant, enthusiastic and forward thinking new outlook of Ognisko Polskie.

In 2015, Ognisko Polskie - the Polish Hearth celebrated 75 years since its official inauguration. along with four days of celebrations to mark the event, there was an exhibition about the Club’s history that was officially opened by our patron, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.

1970 - Dr. Wanda Piłsudzka opening an exhibition

1970 - An exhibition of stamps held in the Ballroom

2015 - The 75th Anniversary Exhibition