Klemmné Németh Zsuzsa szerk.: Gorka Kerámiamúzeum, Verőce (PMMI kiadványai - Kiállítási katalógusok 10. Pest Megyei Múzeumok Igazgatósága)

GÉZA GORKA'S SHORT BIOGRAPHY 1894 Born in Nagytapolcsány, Nyitra County, on 6 September. 1910 The family moved to Mezőtúr. Géza Gorka went to the secondary grammar school there. First, he wanted to become a painter but after three years' apprenticeship under Balázs Badar, a potter master, he chose ceramics. 1917 Was the beginning of his career as a ceramist - according to his memories. 1919 During the Hungarian Soviet Republic, he was a member of Mezőtúr Directoty of Physical Education so he had to emigtate after 1919. 1920-21 Studied drawing and painting under Max Leuger and Paul Mann in Karlsruhe and Leutkirchen in Germany. 1922 Returned to Mezőtúr. 1923 Was invited to Nógrádverőce. With the financial help of Fóris Banking House, he established „Keramos Corporation". First, he was the technical then the managing director until 1927. May 1924 Got married to Irén Kovács. The couple moved to Nógtádverőce, to the Kovács family's villa, which had been built in 1884The house remained Gorka's home till the end of his life; from 1972 on, it has been his memorial museum. 1925 Lívia Gorka was born. 1926 Eva Gorka was born. 1926 Participated in a collective show in Philadelphia, whete he won the silver medal 1927 Owing to change of ownership at the head of Keramos Corporation, he could not tolerate the change in line. Left the company and built a workshop in the gatden of the villa in Nógrádverőce. The small unit was enriched with the equipment of Keramos, which became bankrupt. 1928 From this year on, he regularly participated at the Christmas Exhibitions of the Society of National Hungarian Design Artists. He was awarded a bronze medal at the International Design Exhibitbn of Venice. 1929 had several successes at inland design exhibitions during the yeat. 1930 took part in 4

th International Design Exhibition in Monza. Made large size vases for the Vienna Office of the „Tourist Bureau of Budapest Capital Town" upon Jr. Aladár Richter's request. Participated in the exhibitions of the Society of National Hungarian Design Artists as well as the National Association of Hungarian Design Artists. 1930s His artistic way of expression developed completely. From among contemporary ceramic trends, he was attracted to the traditions of the so-called Haban ceramics. Transformed it to make it suitable - also using majolica as well as the so-called 1939 1940 1942 complex technique - for producing modern ceramics. 1932 Exhibition of the Society of Hungarian Design Art, Budapest - gold medal. 1933 Design World Expo of Milan - Triennial Silver medal. 1935 Took part in the Exhibition of Hungarian Folk and Design Art arranged in Vienna. At the World Expo in Brussels he was awarded a silver medal. 1936 6''' Triennial of Milan - bronze medal. 1937 Exhibition of Hungarian Design, Eolk Art and Cottage Industry in Amsterdam. At the Paris World Expo Géza Gorka's works were awarded „Diplome d' Honneur". 1938 The Hungarian material of Paris World Expo was shown at the Museum of Applied Arts in Brussels. At the I" National Design exhibition in Budapest, he was awarded a gold medal. At the Internationa/ Design Exhibition in Berlin, he won a gold medal. Won a gold medal at the World Expo in New York. Won a Triennial Grand Prix award for his ceramic works presented in the Hungarian pavillion at the 7

th International Design Exhibition of Milan. At the First National Hungarian Ceramic Exhibition, Géza Gotka showed the works of his 25 years' activity, 120 ceramic pieces altogether, in a separate room. As a recognition, he was awarded State Gold Medal for Applied Arts. Made a ceramic wall for the national Sports Hall of Budapest. This year, several of his works got in the possession of the Museum of Applied Arts. 1943 Organized „Nógrád Palóc Cottage Industry Ceramic Workshop" in Losonc. The workshop existed until the end of 1944 with 25 employee. Géza Gorka produced the modell pieces. Lívia had already been working near her father in the workshop in Nógrádverőce. First, she followed the father's style though she soon formed her own artistic way of expression. The younger daughter, Eva Gorka, died. The family returning to Verőce after the war, only found the ruins of the collection and the workshop. Géza Gorka restored the kilns and began to work again. Together with László Mattyasovszky, chemical engineer, made technical experiments to serial production of highfired ceramics in the workshop of Zsolnay F Factory. Because of nationalization, the experiments ceased. 1952 Took part in the I" Design Exhibition at Ernst Museum. 1955 Was awarded the 2

nJ grade of Munkácsy Prize. 1944 1945 1946