The development of carpentry in Solkan is not a coincidence. The place had different roles in different historical periods.

In the second half of the 19th century, Solkan played a significant role as Gorizia’s hinterland. In this relatively large town, it had a guaranteed market. Near Solkan, there is also the Trnovo Forest, from where carpenters received most of the wood. The Solkan carpenters produced a variety of items – from furniture to doors, windows and other building joinery. Some carpenters specialized specifically in kitchens, some in coffins, some in chairs, whereas others were true masters in carving. They were helped by apprentices who were hired in the fall and stayed with the masters for about three years, depending on the knowledge they acquired. Carpenters learned almost without exception from their fathers, uncles, older brothers and other relatives. Before the Second World War, there were no special schools, but after the war, the Edvard Kardelj furniture factory (later Meblo) also organized training.

(Written by: Katja Kogej)