The Kashubian Pottery Workshop of the Necel Family

The Necel Pottery Workshop in Chmielno is a place with over a hundred years of tradition, run by ten generations of the Necel family, who have remained loyal to Kashubian designs and pottery techniques. The workshop’s origins trace back to 1897 when Franciszek Necel, a representative of the seventh generation of potters, settled in this picturesque village surrounded by three lakes. Shortly after his arrival, he trained under local masters and later opened his own workshop, where he produced traditional Kashubian pottery. From the beginning, Necel ceramics were distinguished by seven patterns, including lilac motifs, the Kashubian lily, and fish scales, which honor Kashubian nature. In the 1930s, Franciszek’s workshop gained fame as a center of folk art, attracting artists, ethnographers, and prominent figures, such as the President of Poland, Stanisław Wojciechowski. Teodora and Izydor Gulgowski, founders of the open-air museum in Wdzydze Kiszewskie, also contributed to the development and popularization of ceramics, inspiring the Necels to expand their range to include decorative ceramics. Today, the Necel Pottery Workshop continues its operations, offering guided tours, a chance to learn about its history, and the opportunity to purchase traditional Kashubian products. Still handcrafted and adorned by hand, they attract with their authenticity and beauty, preserving the legacy of Kashubian craftsmanship.