Przekształcenia gdańskich obiektów zabytkowych w pierwszej połowie XIX w. w kontekście rodzącej się myśli konserwatorskiej

Abstract

The article discusses modifications in antique structures of Gdańsk in the first half of the 19th century. The exact time frame for the phenomenon explored is marked by the seizure of the city by the Kingdom of Prussia as a result of the Second Partition of Poland in 1793, and the early 1860s. It was a highly difficult period in the history of Gdańsk. Terrible economic situation resulted in an extremely small number of new, important architectonic projects being implemented. Instead, the authorities began adapting old buildings to new needs, often not without significant alterations. Other major modifications to historic structures were introduced in the course of repairs and reconstructions of deteriorated and war-damaged buildings. The first half of the 19th century is a time which saw a substantial change in the perception of historic sites and their value. The article highlights the occurrence of this process in Gdańsk. Reconstructions involving classicist stylistic forms, which gave way to the coexistence of old and new formal marks, as well as later ones, introduced in the course of regothicisation, characterised by aiming at stylistic cohesion are examined. The modifications extended to many of Gdańsk’s most important historic buildings. Architects such as Karl Friedrich Schinkel or Friedrich August Stüler were involved in the discussed process. The number and extent of undertaken redevelopments indicates that they constitute a significant aspect of the 19th-century Gdańsk architecture.