The Union of Polish Writers Abroad and London's Pamiętnik Literacki

Post-war beginnings: Freedom of expression as a statement

The Union of Polish Writers Abroad was established in August 1946 by several dozen writers, members of the Polish PEN Club, who chose to remain in exile after World War II. "It was a response to the need to write in their native language—free from censorship and political constraints," Elżbieta Smoleńska told Family News Service. Among the Union's founders were figures such as Stanisław Baliński, Tymon Terlecki, Stefania Zahorska, and Kazimierz Wierzyński, representing Polish writers based in New York.

Over the years, the ZPPnO's literary awards have honored prominent émigré authors and translators of Polish literature, including Gustaw Herling-Grudziński, Czesław Miłosz, Jan Lechoń, Marian Hemar, Edward Raczyński, as well as more recent recipients such as Wioletta Grzegorzewska, Eric Karpeles, and György Gömöri.

From the outset, the Union's mission has been to "promote Polish creative writing abroad and support émigré authors." Smoleńska highlights that during the Communist era in Poland, Pamiętnik Literacki, like Kultura (Paris) and Zeszyty Literackie, provided a rare platform for émigré writers to publish freely.

Rediscovering forgotten émigré writers through Pamiętnik Literacki

The Union's flagship journal, Pamiętnik Literacki, launched in 1976, features not only poetry, prose, and essays but also documents the cultural life of the Polish diaspora. "Its archive is a valuable resource not only for researchers of post-war émigré literature but also for historians studying the Polish diaspora," said Smoleńska, an editor and contributor to the journal.

ZPPnO is also active in publishing and promoting Polish literary heritage. It has released monographs on authors such as Norwid, Wyspiański and Conrad.

Another focus is bringing attention to émigré writers and cultural activists, including the publishing work of the Bednarczyk couple in London. One particularly fascinating figure is Feliks Topolski—an artist, reporter and chronicler of key 20th-century events. Smoleńska has worked to raise awareness of his legacy, including organizing a lecture-event titled The Polish Topolski, held in the artist's former studio near Waterloo station, which still houses an extensive archive.

"He was an extraordinary character with a remarkable life story," said Smoleńska. "A visual artist and reporter, he settled in London in 1935 as a correspondent for a Polish newspaper. During WWII, he documented the Polish Armed Forces in the West. He joined a wartime convoy to Arkhangelsk in 1941, witnessed the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, and reported on the Nuremberg Trials," she explained.

Topolski's monumental painting of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation still hangs in Buckingham Palace. His illustrated chronicles—published by the Bednarczyks—offer a unique record of the era. "Unfortunately, he's little known in Poland today, though once he was something of a celebrity—friends with Prince Philip and Indira Gandhi, acquainted with Pablo Picasso and G.B. Shaw," Smoleńska added.

Literary salons and a hybrid present

A longstanding tradition of the Union are its literary salons, hosted by ZPPnO president Regina Wasiak-Taylor, for years alongside actor Janusz Guttner. These events were initially held at "Ognisko Polskie," a historic building in central London, and now take place at POSK (the Polish Social and Cultural Centre).

"They combine literary readings, poetry, and performances by musicians and visual artists—an attempt to recreate the atmosphere of interwar Warsaw's literary salons," said Smoleńska.

Today, the Union blends tradition with modern technology. "Many literary events and conferences now take place over Zoom. You can join from your living room in Melbourne or New York and ask questions to writers based in Warsaw or London," Smoleńska noted. The Union currently has around 100 members across four continents. Its hybrid event model fosters connection within the émigré writing community.

Young, multilingual, digital

A key challenge is engaging the younger generation of emigrants. "This is the Erasmus generation—well-educated, multilingual, and globally minded," Smoleńska stressed.

ZPPnO actively promotes its work on social media and documents major events—such as a recent evening dedicated to the poetry of Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska, performed by acclaimed actress Maja Komorowska during the Old Town Book Fair in Warsaw.

The Union welcomes new members. "Just visit our website at https://www.zppno.org/ or find us on Facebook. All it takes is sending a CV and a list of publications," Elżbieta Smoleńska encouraged.