Police viewed through distorting mirror

photos from the opening night | photos from the exhibition

Police viewed through distorting mirror

Police, the largest uniform formation in Poland, celebrates this year the 95th anniversary of its foundation. On July 24, 1919, the Parliament (Sejm) passed the Act of Legislature of the State Police, whose main task was the protection of the security, peace and public order.

95th anniversary of Police is a good opportunity to showcase its history from a slightly different angle. History can be documented in many ways, and one of them is a satirical drawing.
The Police Headquarters had an idea to put up an unusual exhibition showing Police in a distorting mirror. Selected drawings show police officers filling out their duties regardless of the times and political systems in which they function.
The presented drawings on the subject of police forces come from our collection, the earliest ones being from the begining of the last century. Often, despite their humour, they have deeper meaning, according to the maxim of Horatio ‘ridentem dicere verum (quid vietat?)’ - telling the truth loughing, (who refuses?).
Among the presented artists are such names as Karol Ferster, Gwidon Miklaszewski and the winners of the competition for satiral drawing on the subject of police.
We hope you will the drawings will make you smile but also reflect on the responsibility of police to keep you safe.
Lets look at the police forces together through merry glasses.

Zygmunt Zaradkiewicz
Director of the Museum of Caricature