As for a start let me introduce you to one of our national treasures. The man who dreamed and drew plans like the Hungarian Geographical Institute or the Hungarian Post Office Savings Bank right behind the American Embassy and also, the breath taking Museum of Applied Arts.
Mr. Lechner – at least his name sounds German – had built it all within a few years time around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. As a creative talent he invented a new style „Hungarian art nouveau” with a taste of the Orient referring to the long lost roots of the Hungarian homeland said to be on the deserted fields of what is Northen Mongolia today.
But talent of any kind allways attracts jealousy. By the end of Lechner’s life, despite both national and international success – or caused by those – active politicians and envious professionals made sure Lechner will never ever receive any kind of task in state sponsored projects.
Turning into „private sector”his very last work was ordered by Mr. Gyula Vermes – by now unknown citizent of the golden age round 1900 – in Irányi utca. The building was to accomodate shops on it’s ground floors and apartments above. Nothing special. But as it’s master was the doyen of architectural art of the time, now, 100 years later - most of it spent by deliberate neglection – this house is one of the hidden beauties of Budapest.
Lechner’s major characteristic is the use of colourful ceramic tiles, floric symbols found on folk art embroidery. But above all colours on the roof and walls and windows.
But at 15 Irányi utca grey is dominant, cast stone boards cover the front that is a speciality of Viennese Jugenstil and it’s celebrated artist Otto Wagner. Instead of hurt pride and depression for being deliberately disqualified from numerous state sponsored projects Lechner renewed his previously invented style and turned to modernity. Kept his fashion of waving lines at the nearest to the roof and mixed it with the most modern style of juvenility.
Lechner’s heart of fairy tale is hidden indoors. The uninvited visitor is stunned by the light blue corridor behind the main entrance topped by blue and white flowers. Mirrors enlargen the narrow corridor that lead into the small and shady yard. Above the walls are bright white, the short, wavy open ambulatories are just like clouds above each other.
Lechner's own family crest is on all his works as a signiture hidden somewhere unexpected.....
The building is not open for public for sad, but understandable security reasons so one can only sleek in when someone enter sor leave their home and is kind enough to let us in. It is allways
worth trying. The brave will be awarded by unforgettable joy of treasures found.
