During the renovation of the Mayor's House in Vinica, decorative paintings were found that are an important part of the house's history

In the ongoing restoration of the memorial house of poet Oton Župančič in Vinica, workers have uncovered decorative paintings that offer valuable insight into the history of the building and its former inhabitants. The findings were made during conservation and restoration work carried out under the supervision of Luka Bogovčič from the company Triptih, Restavratorski atelje Bogovčič. These painted decorations, though not monumental frescoes, include floral motifs, medallions, and colorful ornamental patterns that highlight the aesthetic taste and social status of the previous owners. The restoration process, which began in February, has revealed hidden stories within the walls of the historic structure. The house, located on the site of the poet’s birthplace, dates back to the early 19th century and was originally owned by trader and innkeeper Franc Malič, who expanded the property. It was here that Oton Župančič was born in 1878. The house suffered two major fires, with the second occurring in 1888 and proving particularly devastating. In its place, a home for local teacher Fran Lovšin was later built, and in 1951, one of the first Slovenian literary museums was established within the premises. Restoration efforts have focused on the six rooms of the first floor, with conservators conducting extensive wall investigations. During the removal of later layers of plaster, they discovered numerous decorative paintings created using templates and later applied with rollers. These paintings span different periods of the house's history, offering a visual chronicle of its past. According to Bogovčič, the discovery took place in all six rooms, and due to their well-preserved condition and complexity, over 200 tests were conducted, an unusually high number for such a building. "These findings significantly enrich our understanding of the space and its history," Bogovčič explained. "They reveal that the house was wealthy and architecturally distinctive for its time. Such discoveries provide essential context for visitors and help bring the past to life." The restoration project aims to complete by the beginning of 2028, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Župančič’s birth. Visitors will be offered new content throughout the year, including interactive exhibits designed to engage younger audiences. Željka Karin Biličič, head of the project from the Črnomelj Municipality’s design office, noted that the renovated house will provide quality content throughout the year, contributing to the reduction of seasonal tourism in the White countryside. Future phases of the renovation will include construction and craftsmanship work, focusing on the basement, ground floor, and upper floors, roof repairs, door and window replacements, and interior wall painting. Adjustments such as ramp installations and reinforced pathways will make the house more accessible to individuals with varying levels of mobility. Additionally, the surrounding area will be redesigned with a new cultural venue for performances, concerts, and educational programs. The newly uncovered decorative paintings, crafted with templates and later rolled on, add another layer to the historical narrative of the house. They serve as a tangible link to the lives of those who once called this space home, preserving fragments of a bygone era for future generations to explore.