Méri Edina: A Pápai Kluge-kékfestőműhely mintakönyvei (Textilmúzeum alapítvány 2003)

The Kluge family became Magyarized [Hungarianized] in their new home. It is proven by the border pattern of the Millennium. In the blue and white oil printed pattern book, on the border decorating the table-cloths we can recognize the Hungarian arms and the wreathed crown (Picture 120). On the company stamp [Mrs Ferenc Kluge founded in Pápa 1783] (Picture 42) can be read (Ferenc Kluge died in 1871). This is important because the company was managed by Károly Kluge, but he did not establish a new one, so they could keep their preference of local building booths, as well as in other towns. The pattern block with the crown on the table-cloths was used during the millenarian ceremonies. The third pattern like this can be connected to the 'Tulipánkert" [Tulip garden] movement started in the first decade of the 20th century. Ferenc Kossuth, minister of commerce, was urging to prefer the Hungarian products against the foreign ones. The table-cloths, kerchiefs, angle patterns, handkerchiefs bordered by tulips and products decorated by tulip heads were propagating the patriotic aims. The most beautiful pieces were restricted for use by the family and then went to the Kékfestő Múzeum [Museum of Blue Dyeing] (Picture 46). Unfortunately, due to financial problems the movement became weak against the low prices of the foreign textiles. It is characteristic that the movement's 10 mm colourful glazed pin with tulips on it was made by a smart businessman in Vienna. At around this time, according to the business notes, the Kluge Company had a sale and reseller network in more than 100 places: 70 in the County of Veszprém, 19 in the County of Vas, 4 in the County of Sopron and 8 in the County of Győr. Among the arrangement of flowers of the laid table there were patterns of knifefork-spoon, as well as those of the soup dish and the fruit basket (Pictures 40, 41, 52, 53). We can recognize these table-cloths at the houses of wealthier families following the civilian fashion. The "reggeliző abrosz" [breakfast table-cloth] with its milk kettles, cups, sugar box and its porcelain quality contours was keeping the urban taste in view. These were perfect for the popular tea time's atmosphere (Pictures 50, 51). We can find the earliest préfiguration of the laid table among the Swiss linen embroideries made by white and brown string in a crest with the year 1527 written on it. After using the printing blocks, they had to be washed, cleaned by a brush and the printing paste had to be removed. The wooden block was dried keeping it standing on its edge and was put back in its place. The damages of the copper wire printing blocks were repaired by "zeccers" in order to perform a perfect job with them. Part of the old printing blocks of the factory have been burned, have been lost or have been taken to other workshops by exchange or sale. Total 49 pieces of pattern books remained: 587 handprint patterns and 928 perrotine patterns. The album made for the 220th anniversary of the foundation of the Kluge Company of Pápa gives a precize and authentic portrayal of the development and the conscious renewal of the factory.