Euro-spinning topsWarsaw has prepared a number of trinkets that will be given to international delegations to tie in with the forthcoming Polish presidency of the European Union, beginning on 1 July.
Cuff-links and leather brief cases are amongst the perks, as well as colourful spinning tops which may amuse youngsters.
“We wanted to make sure that everything that represents the presidency was from start to finish designed and created in Poland,” says Warsaw-based spokesman Konrad Niklewicz.
He noted that the aim was to avoid following in the footsteps of the Hungarians, who had employed Chinese companies during their term as leaders of the EU.
167 pairs of cuff-links have been rustled up for the Foreign Office by jeweller Dorota Kempko. She used silver and a striped flint characteristic of the whereabouts of Sandomierz, south east Poland, for her creations.
Likewise, the briefcases, designed by Anna Kuczynska, have been fashioned from leather from the mountainous Podhale region.
The spinning tops, likely to be a favourite with children (or their diplomat parents if they are bored in a meeting) come in four folk patterns, echoing the Kuyavia, Kurpiowska, Lowicz and Opoczno regions.
The hand-painted toys were created according to designs by Monika Wilczynska and Krzysztof Smaga. (nh)