The manuscript collection

 

The manuscript collection mainly includes the correspondence between the Katakouzenoi and their famous friends (see figures 25 to 29). These manuscripts illustrate the social and artistic life of Hellas in a unique way and provide rare information.

 

Letter by N.Chatzekyriakos-Gkikas, undated.

 

Letter by Nikos Chatzekyriakos-Gkikas with caricatures of women bathers in Aidepsos, undated.

 

The visitors will have access to the collection on request and with the help of members of the staff.

 

Letter by G.Seferes, dated March 1962.

 

Letter by Albert Camus, dated May 1956.

 

The photographic collection

 

The photographic collection is an ideal supplement to the manuscripts. It comprises approximately 2,000 photographs and 100 slides that provide information about life in Hellas from the 1930s to the 1970s by documenting dramatic changes and places that do not exist any more. A rare series of photographic portraits of Leto by Nelly's, one of the first important women photographers worldwide, is an interesting group. Many more shots depict famous guests of the house and friends of the Katakouzenoi, moments of joy and mourning, important events that no longer take place.

 

The four mahogany doors above were painted in 1960 by Nikos Chatzekyriakos-Gkikas. Their condition is excellent, but to avoid deterioration some measures have to be taken (they should rarely be opened; special mechanisms should minimise friction between the doors and the floor and ceiling etc.).
The Katakouzenoi with Nikos Chatzekyriakos-Gkikas (second from the left) in front of two of the doors. (on the left).

 

Leto used to display photographs unframed and surrounded by decorative objects. (photo before restoration)

 

The library

 

More than 10,000 volumes are scattered all over the house. They cover an interesting range of subjects, from literature to history, from art and archaeology to medicine in English, French, German and Greek. Many of them are first or limited editions, signed and dedicated by their authors to the Katakouzenoi. A rich collection of books on medicine, and particularly psychiatry and psychoanalysis, brought together over 60 years by Professor Katakouzenos, is of great value. Another rarity is the complete series of the art review Verve, published by the couple's close friend Teriade and featuring M.Chagall's illustrations of the Bible.

 

Angelos Katakouzenos analysing a painting by the folk artist Theophilos during the opening of his museum in Lesvos.

The Katakouzenoi kept in their home more then 100 of Theophilos's works for a long period of time, before the museum was finally open and the works exhibited.

 

Giorgos Seferes (on the left) and Angelos Katakouzenos.

 

Partial view of the reception area. The floor of the flat is completely level and there is ample space for wheelchairs moving.(photo before restoration)

 

  "Houses appeal partly to the emotions, and this -their power for museum purposes- deserves to be strengthened by developing atmosphere. One of the commonest remarks of visitors in any well-appointed house is that they enjoy being there because the place is like a home and not like an institution. Whatever meaning this may have for other museums is beside the point; the implication for historic house museum is plain. Historic houses must be made to live again." (Coleman 1933: 35)

 

The Katakouzenos house is one of these landmarks, a place of memory full of meaning and charm, a lived place open to contemplation and calling for thoughtfulness. Modern metropolises do not only need brand new cathedrals of culture and power; they also need small chapels of inspiration and intimacy, where the past can be relived and the future anticipated.

 

Back

 

texts by George Manginis and Sophia Peloponnissiou-Vassilacou