Kaesz Gyula Faipari Szakközépiskola és Szakiskola

Carved into the very foundations of Budapest is the legacy of Kaesz Gyula Faipari Szakkőzépiskola és Szakiskola. This school, nestled in Zugló, the 14th district, has been shaping young minds and skilled hands since 1966. Kaesz Gyula, the renowned architect and interior designer, lends his name to this institution. He also served as rector of the University of Industrial Arts. His influence echoes through the halls, inspiring generations of woodworkers. The school’s story began in a bustling three-story building on Szondi Street in District VI. The workshops, however, were located in Újpest on Bán Tibor Street, in a modest, single-story house. Várhelyi Lajos led the institution at that time, overseeing four classes each year for three years, under the name 18th Industrial Training Institute. The move to Zugló in 1966 marked a new era. A modern, two-story building now houses state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, a doctor’s office, and workshops, all bearing the name Kaesz Gyula. The former location on Egressy Street became home to aspiring upholsterers and parquet floorers. Those eager to learn the craft of parquet flooring received intensive theoretical training during the winter months. They then honed their practical skills directly on construction sites. The spirit of artistry is palpable at Kaesz Gyula Faipari Szakkőzépiskola és Szakiskola. A bronze relief by sculptor Kalló Viktor graces the facade. The garden features Dózsa, a sculpture by Mészáros Mihály. It also boasts Samu Géza’s composition, Napszekér (Sun Chariot). Inside, Vilt Tibor’s memorial to Kaesz Gyula stands as a testament to the school’s namesake. Figurative mosaic wall coverings by Kossuth and Munkácsy Prize-winning artist Kádár György add a touch of elegance to the ground floor. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016 with a grand series of events. Former teachers and successful alumni, including renowned figures in the woodworking industry, gathered to commemorate the school’s rich history. The school has seen remarkable leadership throughout its history. Balázs Gyula, the first director, steered the institution for 22 years. Under his guidance, the school earned national and international acclaim, and in 1975, it adopted the name Kaesz Gyula. In 1977, a memorial by Vilt Tibor, honoring Kaesz Gyula, was unveiled in the main hall, attended by Kaesz’s widow, Kaeszné Lukáts Kató. Szalay Józsefné took the helm in 1988, overseeing training in eight specializations. These included carpentry, upholstery, gilding, intarsia, wood carving, wood turning, and instrument making. In 1991, a computer lab enhanced the school’s facilities. By 1992, vocational secondary school training in carpentry and upholstery was introduced. Szalay Józsefné’s contributions were recognized with prestigious awards. Kellnernéné Füzi Mária, a wood engineer, joined the teaching staff in 1983. She brought her valuable production experience to the role. She became deputy director in 1992 and served as director from 2008 to 2021. She received the Teleki Blanka Award in 2012. Under her leadership, the school began preparing students for the international WorldSkills and EuroSkills competitions.