A revered local suitcase manufacturer is the subject of an ongoing exhibition at the Zagreb City Museum, Faded History.
Named after the mountain overlooking Croatia's capital, Samuel Gati’s Sljeme produced wooden, leather, lacquered and canvas suitcases, as well as sports bags and clothing. Considered high-quality, the brand was highly sought after in Zagreb and beyond. Founded in 1921, Sljeme would eventually grow to have multiple shopfronts and workshops throughout the city centre, as well as a presence in Belgrade. It would also be invited to exhibit its goods at world and trade fairs internationally, including twice in Paris (1925 and 1937) and once in Barcelona (1929).
However, Gati’s story takes a tragic turn with the arrival of World War II. He was born a Hungarian Jew and relocated to Zagreb following the signing of the Trianon Peace Treaty, which dismembered what was then Hungary. It is from Zagreb that he eventually fell victim to the Holocaust, with records showing that Gati met his end at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Following the conclusion of the war, Sljeme was nationalised and eventually merged in 1960 with leather-goods manufacturer Almeria.
Despite all best efforts and research from the exhibition's curators, no single photograph of Samuel Gati seems to exist. This, and the fact that records show no living descendant in Zagreb, inspired the title of the exhibition. Faded History.
The exhibition runs until February 2, 2025.
Where: Zagreb City Museum, Opatička 20
When: Until Feb 2. Tue-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Admission: €5, available in person