ZIEGLER: ODE TO HONOUR

Imagine you woke up today to find the economy in your country was collapsing, the government was introducing ground-shattering reforms, hyperinflation was looming, and everything your family had built was suddenly at risk.  Imagine you had a container of valuable goods and are worried that if you kept it in the country, your goods could be taxed, restricted, or even confiscated.

Do you know someone who would hold it for you, with no paperwork, no insurance, nothing more than a verbal reassurance that you would retain all your production and keep your family afloat? You need someone you can trust completely.

Would you know that person?

This is the story of a man who, when no one was watching, stood up for others and did the noblest thing someone could do in times of turmoil: keep his word.

His name was Horst Ziegler.

Election rally of NSZZ "Solidarność" candidates at Grunwaldzki Square in Gdynia. Photographer: Leonard Szmaglik

In the late 1980’s, Poland entered one of the most transformative periods in its modern history.  After decades of communist government, the country moved toward a free-market economy, bringing both hope and uncertainty.

Industries that had operated under government control suddenly faced new challenges.  They found themselves navigating competition, changing prices, unfamiliar rules, changing

regulations, and an uncertain legal environment.

Election posters displayed in a bakery window. Photographer: Leonard Szmaglik

In the down industry, some suppliers who had accumulated valuable goose down worried that if they kept it in the country, they might face export restrictions, additional taxes, or even government appropriation. As a result, some sought to move their down across borders quickly and quietly, often without the normal export paperwork. Their goal was to protect what they viewed as their most valuable asset until the political and economic situation became clear.

They turned to the one person they believed they could trust: Horst Ziegler.

Horst Ziegler (left) with business allies.

Ziegler was a respected down broker who had previously worked at one of the largest down-processing plants in Germany. The Polish producers approached him with a request that required extraordinary faith from both sides; they asked him to hold several containers of down, worth the equivalent of several million dollars in today’s currency, without any traceable information until the uncertainty passed.

There were no formal contracts. No insurance policies. No guarantees beyond a handshake and a promise.

Without a contract in place, Ziegler could easily have taken their down and never paid them, and they would never have been able to prove anything. This was a huge act of faith by the Polish men.

Without hesitation, he agreed to hold the containers.

He protected their down exactly as he promised.

He was a noble man, and after the turmoil was over, he gave them back their down. They pledged their support to him thereafter as they knew he was so honourable. This is the reason why we pay homage to Horst by naming our Polish white goose down with his last name, ‘Ziegler’. - Michael de la Place, Founder, St Genève.

Michael first met Horst at Heimtextil, a leading home textile trade show.  Horst was not exhibiting; instead, he used the opportunity to connect with clients and friends throughout the industry. 

He liked to visit this particular booth as they had these very special little pickles, which he loved, Michael recalls. I think this was probably over 25 years ago, as he passed away at least 20 years ago.

Horst Ziegler's office in Germany

Ziegler’s drive and charisma propelled him to launch his own venture in 1988 (around the time St Genève was born). With support from industry experts and good friends, he ran his business for over two decades.

There are moments in every business when you’re forced to choose between what is profitable and what is right. Horst taught me that those decisions define who you are. He said, ‘You can always make more money, but you can’t buy a reputation for honesty. That can only be earned over time.’ Those words have guided me ever since, says the founder of St Genève.

The Ziegler name represents more than exceptional Polish white goose down.  It represents a belief that true quality is not built only from the finest materials, but from the character of the people behind them.

At St Genève, we honour Horst Ziegler’s legacy by carrying his name forward – a reminder that craftsmanship, trust and integrity are timeless qualities.

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Set of photographs mostly documenting street demonstrations and police actions in Poland during the martial law of 1981-1983.