OUR STORY
The Burczak story started in 1929 in Eastern Poland. Mieczyslaw Burczak was one of six children born to Anthony and Maria. Through the carnage of World War Two, hostile living in concentration camps in Siberia, these six children survived some of the most brutal atrocities that humanity could throw at them.
The South African government at the time made the decision to safe guard the Polish children who were now refugees in Persia. Mieczyslaw and his siblings found themselves on a ship headed for Port Elizabeth. A school was created to teach these 500 Polish children, and from there Mieczyslaw was relocated to a foster home in Pietermaritzburg. At the age of 14 he was schooled in Maritzburg and then went on to do his trade in cabinet making, joining Reids Cabinet Works in Church Street. After his apprenticeship he joined TS Taylor Picture Framing and Art Supplies, marrying the owners daughter Anne.
From there Mieczyslaw (known as Maurice to most) opened his very own framing business in 1967 in Commercial Road called Burczak Picture Framers. The corner property became a landmark in Maritzburg and BPF traded there for 54 years.
Mieczyslaw’s two sons Chris and Michal worked with their father in the family business until 2004 when Mieczyslaw passed away at the age of 76 – Succeeded by his wife, five children and many grand children.
In 2019 Michal and his family made the decision to relocate to New Zealand. This opened the door for Chris’ son Dylan to join the family business and become the third generation.
In 2021 an opportunity arose to move the framing shop to a new premises which would allow for more growth. 26 Victoria became the new home of BPF and work has been continued by Chris and Dylan. In September 2024 The Maurice Gallery was opened in honour of the man who started the journey so many years before.
57 years of framing is a legacy. Over 100 000 jobs have been completed, and those frames are hanging on the walls of countless customers all over the world. A small business with rich history, which has helped to raise generations of the Burczak Family.
Here’s to the future – to framing your memories and your cherished art work. To continue in the art of Master Framing.
MEET THE TEAM
CHRIS
Owner and second generation. Chris has over 30 years of experience in dealing with the framing business. A keen photographer, with a love for the bushveld.
DYLAN
Manager and third generation. Dylan joined the family business in 2019. In charge of cutting and joining frames, and making coffee. Avid musican.
SENZO
Glass and fitment manager. Senzo has been working for BPF for close on 20 years. He enjoys time with his friends and family and watching sport.