03. June 2008.

This is an interesting piece of news of particular relevance to the citizens of Herend, employees of the Herend Porcelain Manufactory and even perhaps those into the local history of Herend. Moreover, this is quite an opportunity for me to use a diary form, something more personal, to give you a brief account of the life and times of Herend's oldest living craftsman, uncle Steffi, source of ageless craftsmanship. Born in Herend, he was the contemporary of Jenő Farkasházy, one of the prominent figures of the history of the Manufactory, whom he met in 1923 shortly after he himself started to work for the Manufactory as a young lad. He devoted 42 years of his active life to working for the company but was still very active after he reached retirement age. He continued with his job on a regular basis until 1993. Come to think of it, this all adds up to a total of 70 years having been spent working for the Manufactory on the same production site. Amazing, isn't it? To do one's work actively, with meticulous care, never to stop paying attention to detail, to paint on porcelain with an unwavering hand and unerring eyes - this is bravura performance, phenomenal and inimitable, too. Steffi's long career turned him into an iconic figure in artistic terms, an example to follow for generations of young painters who have learnt a lot from him, for he loved to teach them. Thanks to the whims of fortune, upon his list of famous encounters are names such as Regent Miklós Horthy and he worked together with Mrs. Mátyás Rákosi, wife of Hungary's former communist leader; he and Hungary's famous ceramist Margit Kovács knew each other quite well, too, while his work, many unique pieces of art and interesting objects, are to be found in the homes of celebrities today. Most retired people, we know, have a tendency of spending time with members of their family and their grandchildren. By contrast, Steffi decided to take up English and started to study fine arts and painting as a hobby. Today he weaves baskets and is equally into wood-carving. He likes talking about his adventurous, interesting life and is a regular visitor of the Herend Porcelain Museum, be it on account of the opening of an exhibition or a short tour of the museum where he can enjoy the ambience of porcelain exhibits, many of which bear his artistic footprints. There is a famous aphorism by military historian colonel Kamill Aggházy, which could, perhaps, best sum up all there is to be said on István Freund's (uncle Steffi) 99th birthday - a truly memorable occasion. "Those are the creators of tomorrow who worked for many a yesterday to create today". Happy birthday to you, uncle Steffi. May the vase - a present from the Herend community and the friends of Herend, handed over to the veteran artist and craftsman amid a roar of applause from those present - remind him, for many years to come, of all this well-earned affection. It was an emotional moment, saturated with love and respect, all directed towards him. This annual meeting at the Herend Porcelain Manufactory was a fantastic celebration of the oldest living master, a knower of knowledge and a creator of the inimitable.

By the way, summer is almost upon us. Do not forget about the shortest night - Herend will be there for you to see. Our detailed program is already available on our website. We believe that the wide range of programs to choose from is a guarantee that everyone will find something to their taste. The 'Age of the Elf' will be an event to enjoy with Éva Bubutimár's magic, fairy tale figures filling the exhibition area. But that is not all. Various events in different places will take place, often simultaneously, including jazz and poetry, musical and light music complete with various exceptional masters of musical instruments. You and your friends are all welcome to this second rendez-vous. A date, if you like. And a second date, we know, is always more exciting and more intimate than the first one was.

Take care and have a break: summertime is a time for recreation. Never miss out on an opportunity to grasp the eternal beauty of a passing moment in your hearts. Do not hesitate to buy a small present for your loved ones to surprise them and to make them happy. If you make up your mind to visit Herend and stay the night, that night of nights, please send us an email with your comment if what you have seen has been to your liking, just to share some of your happiness with us.

We are all aboard with anticipation, hoping to meet you soon.