The Gordian Knot of Mining- selection from the small statuettes by István Kardics from the Dornyay Béla Museum Collection.

Small statuettes by István Kardics are on display at the Dornyay Béla Museum Mining Room, or as it is known the Mining Museum on occasion of its first opening 50 years ago.

István Kardics is a chartered mining engineer who graduated from the University of Miskolc in 1966. After working in Northern Hungary for some time, in 1976 started working for the Oroszlány Coal Mines. From 1984 until 2002, when he retired he worked as head engineer for the Márkushegyi Mines.

The material he used for his figurines are by-products, mainly ruined parts, construction safety (TH safety structure, bearings, various scraper chains etc). The sculptures on display were made between 1990-2013, mainly for celebrations, gatherings, typically with the purpose of donation. So far, his works have been shown in Tatabánya, Mór, Oroszlány.

In addition, we have items from the Dornyay Béla Museum, various historic relics and artefacts. As for opening, there are emblem made for decorative purposes for the Nógrád Coal Mining Trust. The flags bear witness to mining symbols, e.g. mining lamps and miners' insignia. The two large flag remind us of the coal battle's heroes.. One of the flags was made by the Salgóbánya mining union miners to commemorate the1848 revolution, the other flag belonged to the Róna mining plant party organization The contest flag of the Mizserfa Mines and the Memorial Flag of the Nógrád Coal Mines commemorates mining in Nógrád in 1960-80. The Russian twin town's flag from Kemerovo is of special interest.

The works of art exhibited provide a broad insight into the of 20th century Hungarian flag styles and that of socialist realism and abstract trends. In addition to works of art by local artists such as Károly Bóna Kovács Ödön Iványi – those by acknowledged artists like Béla Kondor are featured in the material as well. In addition, we show a Saint Borbala image from the 20th century . who is the guardian saint of miners.