Helena Bukowska-Szlekys

Helena Bukowska-Szlekys (2 March 1899 – 2 May 1954) was a Polish artist and weaver. Her work was part of the painting and applied arts event in the art competition at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, England, United Kingdom. She is considered as a pioneer of the industrial production of carpets with distinctive patterns.

Early life Bukowska-Szlekys was born on 2 March 1899 in Siberia, Russia. Her father was an engineer who worked building railways in different parts of Russia so she grew up in various parts of the country. In 1919, she moved to Poland where she studied graphics and painting in Vilnius.

Career In 1933, Bukowska-Szlekys was appointed head of the weaving department of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw while studying interior design and mural painting. She graduated in 1936. Her work on weaving techniques, which combined her own modern patterns with tradition and folk art, has resulted in her being considered a pioneer of the industrial production of carpets with distinctive patterns. She did not medal in the painting and applied arts event and was listed as also competed.

Bukowska-Szlekys also designed the interior of the Polish ocean liner TSS Stefan Batory.

Personal life Bukowska-Szlekys married Olgierd Szlekys, an interior designer, decorator, painter and caricaturist.

Death Bukowska-Szlekys died on 2 May 1954 in Craiova, Romania.