Konstancja Gładkowska’s house in Skierniewice (commonly known as the ‘larch manor’) is the oldest building of its kind in the town. In 2022, its comprehensive renovation was completed, after which it regained its former splendour and became the home of a branch of the Jan Olszewski Historical Museum of Skierniewice. The museum’s exhibition focuses on the story of the house’s former resident and her relationship with Frédéric Chopin.
Gładkowska’s House in Skierniewice – the beginnings
The building was most likely constructed in the 18th century and, in the years that followed, served as a residential house divided into several separate flats, associated with many figures from the world of culture. The most important figure among them was the opera singer Konstancja Gładkowska (1810–1889), who was also, in private, Fryderyk Chopin’s youthful muse and first love. She spent the final years of her life here. Her presence at the house at 4 Floriana Street had a huge impact on how the building was subsequently perceived. Apart from Gładkowska, the ‘manor house’ welcomed artists, writers and representatives of creative circles, including people associated with the Warsaw–Vienna railway and the artistic life of the era. Over time, this building with a rich history came under the care of public institutions and began to serve as a memorial site, developed gradually from the 1980s onwards. Throughout its history, it has hosted, amongst others, the Society of Friends of Skierniewice and the Skierniewice History Chamber.
Renovation of the building at 4 Floriana Street
For a long time, the house remained in very poor condition, and its structural elements became weaker and less stable with each passing year. Eventually, the deterioration of the timber was so severe that a decision was made to carry out a comprehensive renovation, including the building’s load-bearing elements. Before the renovation began, experts in building mycology and experienced carpenters were consulted to assess the condition of the timber. They identified the need to replace sections of the structure, the floors and the roof. The City of Skierniewice acted as the investor, securing PLN 260,000 from the ‘Monument Protection 2021’ programme. This enabled work to begin in July 2021 and the building to be protected against further damage. Surprisingly, analyses carried out during the works revealed that the building was constructed from pine rather than larch, as had long been believed in local tradition.
Scope of work and progress of the renovation
The main construction works began in the second half of 2021. They started with the reinforcement of the foundations and the repair of the underground part of the house. Subsequently, the ground beams, gable walls, damaged posts and beams were replaced, and the roof was given a completely new structure, including the boarding and a metal roof covering. As part of the site development, the south porch was rebuilt along the outline of the existing foundations. The interiors of Gładkowska’s ‘larch manor house’ were fitted with new installations, new floors and plasterwork were laid, and individual rooms were adapted for new functions, mainly exhibition spaces. In many cases, the old structural elements were unsuitable for reuse due to advanced decay of the timber, which caused it to crumble to the touch. Those sections that retained sufficient strength were cleaned, treated and reused. All this was done after prior marking and dismantling. The work was carried out by a contractor selected by the local council and supervised by the conservator, in accordance with the approved renovation plan.
Gładkowska House in Skierniewice after renovation
The project proved to be more financially demanding than initially anticipated, mainly due to the extent of the damage revealed during the works. The final expenditure exceeded PLN 3.4 million, with a significant proportion coming from public funds, including ministerial grants and support from the conservator of monuments. The works were completed following all technical inspections in 2022. The renovated building received new façades, window and door frames, and facilities for people with reduced mobility. However, not everyone was impressed by the result of the renovation. For some residents, the change in the monument’s appearance was too drastic, mainly due to the departure from the earlier, more austere aesthetic of the wood.
Konstancja Gładkowska’s Manor House
Following renovation, a branch of the Jan Olszewski Historical Museum of Skierniewice moved into the building, operating under the name Konstancja Gładkowska’s Manor House. The venue has an intimate atmosphere and serves as an exhibition space and a venue for cultural events. The interiors are dedicated to an exhibition on Konstancja Gładkowska and her youthful relationship with Frédéric Chopin, supplemented by the context of the Romantic era and educational materials. Activities following the reopening began in February 2023, with the temporary exhibition ‘Chopin’s Prelude’. In addition to the exhibition, concerts, meetings and temporary presentations are organised here, and the building itself also functions as a small music salon.
Source: Skierniewice Museum
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The monument before and after renovation. Photo: Maciej Czarnota – www.foto.czarnota.org
The house then and now. Photo: Skierniewice Museum
