Andrejs Paulāns

Andrejs Paulāns-Kraskevičs (Latgalian: Andrivs Povulāns-Kraskevičs, 30 November 1896 – 29 November 1973) was a Latvian and Latgalian ceramicist. He is regarded as one of the greatest Latgalian ceramicists. In 1937, Paulāns was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition.^[1]

Andrejs Paulāns
Andrivs Povulāns-Kraskevičs
Paulāns at work
Born	Andrejs Paulāns-Kraskevičs (1896-11-30)30 November 1896 Silajāņi Parish, Russian Empire
Died	29 November 1973(1973-11-29) (aged 76) Preiļi Parish, Soviet Union
Nationality	Latvian
Known for	Ceramics
Movement	Latgalian ceramics
Awards	Gold Medal at 1937 Paris Exhibition

Biography

Andrejs Paulāns-Kraskevičs was born at Šembeļi village in Silajāņi Parish, Russian Empire in 1896. He inherited the interest for pottery from his father Izidors.^[2] In 1915, he joined Latvian riflemen as the World War I was going on. Two years later, Paulāns returned home after being heavily wounded in head and shoulder. For his service, he was awarded a Cross of St. George.^[3] Paulāns right eye was blinded for the rest of his life.^[2]

From 1918, Paulāns worked in the workshop of his father.^[4] His name rose to fame in the 1930s, when his works were shown in exhibitions outside Latvia. First foreign exhibition with Paulāns works was in 1931 in Sèvres, France.^[2] He was awarded a gold medal at the 1937 Paris Exhibition.

Paulāns died on 29 November 1973. He is buried in the Feimaņi cemetery.^[5]

Legacy

Paulāns remains one of the most influential ceramicists in the Latgalian ceramics history. In Rainis Museum in Jasmuiža are located the relocated workshop and kiln of Andrejs Paulāns.^[6] In 1986, Latgale Ceramics Studio in Rēzekne was renamed to Andrejs Paulāns Folk Applied Art Studio.^[7] One of the streets in the Latgalian town of Preiļi is named in honor of Paulāns.^[8]

Honors

• 1937: Gold Medal at the 1937 Paris Exhibition
• 1958: People's Artist of the Latvian SSR