Former industrial empire of Izrael Poznański in Łódź, Poland

Spinning mill (today hotel) and main gate of former Poznański's factory  

The beginnings of the Poznański textile factory 

Izrael K. Poznański was born on 25 August 1833 in Aleksandrów near Łódź, as the youngest son of Kalman Poznański. A year later, the Poznańskis moved to Lódź. In 1851 he married Leonia Hertz, daughter of the clerk of Jewish hospitals in Warsaw. This marriage enriches Izrael Poznański’s, a master of „weaving profession” at the time, fortune by a manufacturer worth 500 roubles.

Main gate of the former Poznański's factory

He started to work for Karol Scheibler's company in Łódź. However, he was gradually setting out to accomplish his greatest project - the construction of a great factory. From 1871 Poznański began to buy out the green-licks between Ogrodowa, Stodolniana (now: Zachodnia) and Podrzeczna Streets. The construction of Poznański’s industrial complex began in the 70s of 19th century. The first building was a weaving mill with a saw-tooth roof, the first of its kind in Łódź. In 1872 the factory's first department was set in motion - the weaving mill, equipped with 200 English-made mechanical looms which constituted a technological breakthrough in the textile industry.

Former building of the factory fire department

The development of the industrial empire

In the years 1874-1875, he added another 1040 looms to his weaving factory as well as textiles finishing department. The most splendid building is the spinning mill situated along Ogrodowa Street, was built between 1876 and 1878. The impressive building of spinning mill was equipping with 3600 spindles. Symbolic of the whole complex are the monumental gates on Ogrodowa Street, leading into the former factory site.
In 1878 Izrael K. Poznański awarded a bronze medal for the products presented at the Exposition Universelle, the World's Fair in Paris.

Former building of the Printing, Dye and Finishing Works (now: entertainment centre, cinema and Museum of Factory) and factory power plant (left)

In the next years, he was open a new threading department and was founded a gas plant for his factory and establishes a fire department for his factory. At the end of 19th century, he builds the so-called tall weaving works and the tall warehouse in the west end of the factory complex.

Former Low Weaving Mill (now restaurants and bars)

In the early 20th century the Poznańskis' factory produced million of metres of cotton material. The industrial empire of Poznanski was a self-sufficient district which included the owner's residence, factory, workers housing complex, church and a hospital (read more at: Poznański Palace in Łódź - impressive 19th-century manufacturer's residence). Apart from his expanding business Izrael K. Poznański owned numerous land allotments and real properties.

The Manufaktura market square

Izrael K. Poznanski was a leader of the Jewish Commune in Łódź and also a great philanthropist. He donated land to establish the Jewish cemetery in Bracka Street, covered the construction costs of a hospital. His financial support helped to build the synagogue and orthodox church.

Former Counting House

Izrael K. Poznański died on 29 April 1900 in Łódź. He was buried at the Jewish cemetery in Bracka Street in Łódź (read more at: Jewish Cemetery in Łódź, Poland).

Izrael Poznanski's tomb in the Jewish cemetery in Bracka Street

The collapse of the industrial empire and the creation of Manufaktura

The rapid industrialisation of Łódź and its cruel effects on workers was described at the beginning of 20th century by Polish writer and Nobel Prize laureate, Władysław Reymont in the novel "Ziemia obiecana" (The Promised Land). The screen adaptation of Reymont's novel was released in 1974 by Andrzej Wajda, famous Polish movie director and is considered one of his best films. The movie was filmed among others, in the former industrial empire of Izrael Poznański.

Poster in the Museum of Factory

After the death of Izrael Poznański, the business was run by his family. After the death of Izrael Poznański, the business was run by his family. The company opened its own railroad station and new power plant. Before Word War I in the factory were working over 7000 people. Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War I caused the financial problems of the company. After the Word War II, the communists were assumed power in Poland and all factories in Poland was nationalised. In the 80s the business lost its financial stability and the factory was closed.

Image of factory complex from the end of 19th century in the old securities of ”I. K. Poznański” - Joint Stock Society of Cotton Products 

At the end of the 90s, it was a former factory complex was sold and new owners start the renovation process. In 2006 it was opened there Manufaktura - the centre of entertainment, culture and commerce. There are over 300 stores, malls, restaurants, pastry shops, cafes, pubs and other services located mostly in the renovated buildings of former Poznański's factory.

Symbol of "Manufaktura" in front of former Bleachery mill

In one of the former factory building is located The Museum of the Factory. The museum offers you a possibility to learn the history of textile factory founded by Izrael Poznański in mid 19th century. You can get to know also the way of cotton from the plantation, through the factory in order to become a beautiful fabric.

Spinning machines in the Museum of Factory

You can also visit the impressive palace of Izrael Poznański, which is the largest manufacturer's residence in Poland. It is also worth visiting the "ms² – Museum of Art", with its impressive collection of modern art.

In 2015 a Spinning Mill and Factory Gate were considered as Historic Monuments.

Spinning machines in the Museum of Factory

The Manufaktura market square

Art Nouveau interiors in the Palace of Poznański

You can also read other articles about Łódź:

• Poznański Palace in Łódź - impressive 19th-century manufacturer's residence
• Promised Land - Łódź, Poland 
• Wooden Architecture in Łódź, Poland 
• Jewish Cemetery in Łódź, Poland

You might also like other articles about beautiful Polish towns (click)

*  *  *

This post is linked at: 

ABC Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, Wednesday Around The Word,

  Outdoor Wednesday, Photo Friday, Skywatch Friday, Weekend Travel Inspiration