The head of the Ljubljana Museum and Galleries (MGML), Blaž Peršin, says both the book and the documentary bear witness to the efforts put into the renovation of the Plečnik House. They testify of the subtleness of the work and of how remarkable the end results are. The presentation of the book and film took place in the study centre for researching the work of architect Jože Plečnik, also intended for events dedicated to his life and work.
Next year will mark 60 years since the death of Plečnik. Peršin says they wish for any even greater promotion of Plečnik's works, especially in situ in Ljubljana.
The life of the Plečnik House
Apart from the renovation the book also highlights Plečnik's spirit and features a plentiful collection of photographs. The book was put together by Mojca Ferle. Many experts from institutions involved in the renovation – The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, the Restoration Centre, the ARREA Architecture office and the MGML, also cooperated in the project. The book was designed by Bojan Lazarevič.
The book, which will also be available in German and Italian in the near future, is divided into two parts. In the first, technical part, 18 authors put their findings together in seven articles. Among other things they touch on the long journey that had to be taken to start the physical renovation of the house, as well as on the conservation and restoration procedures. Ferle says this part brings "a detailed biography of Plečnik's House, supported by professional commentary".
The great architect in person
The second part of the book is dedicated to Plečnik in person. It includes the psychological portrait of the master architect based on the analysis of his letters, the recorded memories of those who used to meet Plečnik towards the end of his life, and the testimonies of friendship between Plečnik and Fran Saleški Finžgar. The book also includes never before published private photographs which, according to Ferle, bear witness that Plečnik was also witty and playful. Matevž Paternoster added a series of photographs to the catalogue which show the inside of the Plečnik House.
The documentary film titled "Okna naj bodo bela, bela, čista" (The Windows should be white, white, clean) is the work of videographer and photographer Tone Stojko, assisted by Simona Stojko Falk. The music is by Milko Lazar. Apart from the documentary material focusing on the renovation of the Plečnik House, the film also includes interviews with a number of individuals who contributed to the way the house looks today.
P. G.; translated by K. J.
