The Mazovian Voivodeship has been enriched by another movable monument, which is a pharmacy furniture set dating from the 1880s, located in a pharmacy at 50 1 Maja Street in Żyrardów. The entry in the register of monuments included several key pieces of furniture, including an expedition table, a three-winged wall-mounted bookcase (repository) and two benches with backs, which have been in use for many years. The pharmacy furniture bears witness to the history of the town and is a valuable example of the structural and stylistic solutions, as well as the visual and applied arts of the period.
The history of the pharmacy in Żyrardów is closely linked to the functioning of the textile factory, established in the first half of the 19th century. The first medical outpatient clinic, which operated in the factory settlement, was established in 1860, and a pharmacy was set up next to it, accessible only to the employees of the Żyrardów factory. It was not until 1883 that the facility was transformed into a pharmacy open to the general public, which extended its audience to residents of the entire area.
The building at 50 1 Maja St. Photo: Google Maps
In 1886, a new building was erected, which the owners of the works – the “Hielle and Dittrich” Auction Company of Zyrardow Works – used as an infirmary and pharmacy. It is from this period that the unique furnishings, which have been preserved in excellent condition to this day, originate. The furniture is stunning in its design and aesthetics. They were made of two-coloured wood and richly decorated with details, while individual display cabinets or drawers still bear age-old plaques indicating their contents. The recesses of the shelves are additionally lined with mirrors. The entire interior has been varnished, which lends the monument a unique elegance. In addition to the furniture, the floor, front door and vestibule structure have also been preserved.
After the end of the Second World War, the pharmacy was run by the State Pharmaceutical Supply Company “Cefarm” of Lodz. In 1991, the shop’s concession and the historical furniture fell into the hands of private owners, who continued the business and took care of the valuable equipment. Thanks to this, it has survived to this day in such excellent condition, despite its advanced age.
The preserved pharmacy furniture is not only a valuable piece of shop equipment, but also functions as an important historical testimony. They exemplify the design and style of the late 19th century, and are evidence of the uninterrupted continuity of the pharmacy function in the same building, which has survived changing conditions and historical circumstances. Today, there are few such places left, so the entry in the register of historic buildings will further protect the priceless furnishings for years to come.
source: the Provincial Office for Historic Monument Protection in Warsaw
photo: Kinga Lipke-Żurek / Provincial Office for Monument Protection in Warsaw
Read also: Interiors | Monuments | History | Furniture | Architecture in Poland | Interesting facts
