In Spodnji Idriji, a small town in Slovenia, two handwritten documents dating back nearly 170 years have been discovered during the restoration of a side altar dedicated to Saint John the Baptist in the parish church of the Assumption of Mary. The documents, found within the wooden framework of the altar, reveal the names of its creators and provide insight into the craftsmanship and historical context of the work. The discovery was made during the restoration process of the right-side altar, which had been constructed in 1857 and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of silence, bridges, and miners. The restoration project, carried out by the artisans of the HARD workshop from Mrzli Vrh, uncovered two parchment documents, both dated 1875, that were intentionally hidden inside the altar as time capsules. These documents, written in both Slovenian and old German script, offer a rare glimpse into the identities of the craftsmen who brought the altar to life. The first document, a folded and slightly damaged sheet written in Slovenian, was found in the attic of the altar, tucked away in the compartment housing the pillars. It identifies the two master carpenters responsible for the creation of the altar: Jožef Bašelj from Gornje Jazen near Cerkljan and Janez Brelih from Nova Oselica. According to the text, the altar was begun on April 26 and completed on July 30, 1857. The document also notes that these craftsmen were known as “tišlerji v nemški Idrii,” meaning “silencers in German Idrija.” This term suggests a local tradition of quiet craftsmanship, perhaps reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region. The second document, written in old German script known as Kurrentschrift, was found loose beneath one of the altar’s panels after the structure was moved to the restoration workshop. It introduces Jakob Bizjak, a craftsman from Cerknica, who was identified as the carver of all the figures on the altar. The text reveals that Bizjak had served in the Austro-Hungarian army, specifically in the 9th Polish Light Infantry Battalion, an elite unit under the command of Field Marshal Joseph Radetzky. After returning home, he created the figures on the altar and affixed his parchment note to the back of the panel, ensuring his name would not be lost to history. These documents have overturned previous assumptions that the altar was the work of the local master builder Jurij Tavčar, whose school trained artisans in the area. Instead, they confirm that the altar was crafted by skilled craftsmen from the region, each contributing their expertise to the final piece. The discovery has surprised historians and locals alike, though such practices of embedding creator signatures within religious works were not uncommon in earlier centuries. The cost of restoring the altar amounted to more than 44,000 euros. Of this, the parish managed to secure 39 percent of the funding through a grant from the Ministry of Culture, while the remaining funds were raised over two years through donations from parishioners. The restoration was carried out by the HARD workshop, a local institution specializing in artistic restoration. The documents have become a focal point of interest during the upcoming celebration of the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, a major feast day in the region. The parish plans to display the findings publicly, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical significance of the artifacts. The discovery has also sparked renewed discussions about the role of local artisans in preserving regional heritage and how such contributions can be recognized and celebrated in modern times. As the town prepares for its annual festivities, the newly uncovered records serve as a tangible link to the past, offering a deeper understanding of the community's rich cultural and artisanal traditions.
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