Szonda István (szerk.): A PARASZTI POLGÁROSODÁS TÁRGYI VILÁGA (Nemzeti jelképek a magyarországi tájházakban) (Kiállítási katalógusok - Szentendre, Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum, 2010)
Dear Visitor, Within the frameworks of the 2010-2011 thematic season a newnational series of programs came to life titled 'Uplifting Century - National Romanticism and the Rise of the Bourgeoisie in the 19 t h Century in Hungary'. Among the numerous programs the bicentennial of Ferenc Erkel's and Ferenc Liszt's birthday is the greatest highlight which is supplemented by periodical and traveling exhibitions all over the country introducing the transformation of the bourgeoisie in the era of Hungarian Dualism which reflects the period of National Romanticism and the Age of Reform. In cooperation with the Skanzen Museum of Szentendre and the Association of Hungarian Country Houses, with the tender support of the Board of Museums of the National Cultural Fund we launched a periodical series of exhibitions in 11 country houses titled 'The World and National Symbols of the Transformation of the Peasantry Bourgeoisie' accompanied by this present traveling exhibition. The bulletins of the exhibition introduce the transformation of the bourgeoisie as reflected in the architecture of the 19th century villages and market towns, making some references to their regional variations. Our visitors may get acquainted with the concept and interior of the so-called 'clean room' that emerged around this period of time, and explore the relics of these interiors ornamented by national symbols which can be connected to the financial stabilization of the peasantry and their increasing need to be represented. The spread of this rustic taste during the long century' led to the flourishing of the art of ornamentation which is shown to the visitors through the professions of furniture manufacturing and pottery. The exhibited images picture the changes brought by the 19th century in the set of farmyard tools, shedding light to the drastic changes in the cultivation methods of the land, as well as to the transformation of the countryside as a result of the river controls performed at the end of the century. Nowadays this hundred-hundred-and-fiftyyear-old material world is preserved in its original locations exclusively in our country houses. The traveling exhibition of 16 bulletins, the relating catalogue and the activity workbook of museum pedagogy all prove to be of great help in familiarizing yourself with the important social, economic and lifestyle changes taking place in the 19th century. These processes have an impact on our lives even today providing us essential knowledge to understand the present world. We hope that the exhibited relics preserved in our national country houses will arouse your curiosity, and you will eventually visit these places that, by evoking the material world of the past, will surely lure you for a real travel in time. 31st July, 2010, Szentendre The creators of the exhibition
