There were a number shops at this address, which was located on the corner of Marszałkowska and Chmielna streets.

We learn a little about Polish fashion in the inter-war period and choose a hat from the renowned Mieszkowski boutique. After that we go the neighbouring Wedel chocolate salon and talk marketing tactics.

Further reading:

The Bitter-Sweet Story Of Wedel, Poland’s Famous Chocolatier
https://culture.pl/en/article/history-wedel-poland-chocolatier

The Crumbly & Delicious History of Chocolate in Poland
https://culture.pl/en/article/history-chocolate-poland

Polish Food 101 ‒ Iconic Sweets
https://culture.pl/en/article/polish-food-101-iconic-sweets

The Hussies and Gentlemen of Prewar Poland
https://culture.pl/en/article/the-hussies-and-gentlemen-of-prewar-poland

With thanks to:

Magdalena Stopa and Warsaw’s History Meeting House for the interview recording with Emil Mieszkowski, the grandson of the original shop owner and who lived at this address before and during World War II.

Aleksandra Jatczak, a fashion historian and lecturer at the Fashion Department of the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts.

Elżbieta Jasińska, the great-granddaughter of Emil Wedel, the founder of one of Poland’s most loved chocolate brands.

Adam Żuławski, editor and co-host of sister podcast Stories From The Eastern West, for providing the English-language voice of Emil Mieszkowski.

Alicja Baczyńska, your audio guide, for help with acoustic mapping throughout the Unseen project.