Craftsmanship in Debrecen

In the 14th century, the growing number of craftsmen supplied with their products not only their place of residence but the surrounding area as well. In order to protect their interests, they formed guilds as independent, closed bodies. The goldsmiths and book binders of Debrecen were recognised nationally. The bootmaker, Hungarian tailor, furrier, tanner, butcher, felted wool maker, coat tailor, and soap maker guilds united several hundred master craftsmen. Their operation was supervised by guild masters who they chose from among themselves. It was expected from a master craftsman to be god-fearing, law-abiding, sedulous, and to have high standards regarding his work. The Déri Museum has a prestigious collection of guild relics. The new, permanent exhibition features a guild chest, a guild seal, guild vessels, guild reports, liberation certificates and many other valuable items and documents.