Maciej Szczepański (1928–2015), chairman of the Committee for Radio and Television on Woronicza Street from 1972 to 1980, during the Gierek era. A congratulatory card for Ryszard Frelek, a dignitary of the Central Committee of the Polish United Workers’ P

30.5 x 21 cm;
Polish. Signed by Szczepański. Typescript on handmade paper with the imprint “Chairman of the Committee on Radio and Television” in a sleeve bearing the same inscription. Quote: “I also ask Comrade Secretary to accept my best wishes for further creative achievements in active political work, in acting for the good of socialist Poland, and in strengthening its power and significance.” Maciej Szczepański was a cult figure of the so-called “propaganda of success” era during Gierek’s time. He became famous for expanding television facilities and bringing equipment up to world-class standards. At the same time, he created an informal, lavishly lived-in court with a multi-tiered hierarchy of associates and court etiquette. Numerous rumors circulated about his exploits among people standing in line outside stores. He was arrested while communism was still in power and sentenced to prison for bribery; he was also stripped of his position as a member of parliament. There are minor stains from candy and coffee where the birthday celebrant had been flipping through the book.