The Hungarian punchcutter and typefounder Kis Miklós was born in Misztótfalu in 1650 and died in Klausenburg in 1702. More than two centuries passed between his creative period and that of József Molnár. It was letters, and working with letters, which took a special meaning in both men’s legacy. A meaning that transcended time, its change and borders.
Owing to József Molnár, today a museum in Misztótfalu and a foundation are honouring the legacy of this brilliant letter artist and typographer and paying tribute to Kis Miklós as a »great« man.
The foundation stone for the museum was laid by a clergyman who worked in Misztótfalu for several decades. He acquired the »Golden Bible« published by Kis Miklós and had to pay off the price for years from his poor earnings. The collection as it is today was purchased by József Molnár and given to the museum as an endowment, and he also generously supported the establishment, restoration and preservation of the museum. After several years of labour, on September 8, 1991 the museum was inaugurated by Bishop László Tőkés, in the presence of the Bishop of Sathmar, the local Romanian Orthodox priest, numerous authors, artists and printers, and then handed over to the public.
After researching in archives and libraries for years, József Molnár published a biography of »Misztótfalusi Kis Miklós«. This comprehensive piece of work was presented at the Budapest Festive Book Week in 2000. The memory of József Molnár is linked with the remembrance of Kis Miklós and his legacy – letters. |