History, design and technology
From the past to the future

History

Polīši is a small yet historically rich homestead located in Alsunga, on the edge of the Kurzeme region in Latvia. Life has been unfolding here for more than 100 years, and every building, every corner of the yard, and every object holds stories about time, people, and the spirit of the place. Officially, this location is registered under the name “Skujas,” but throughout the area, we are known by the long-established nickname Polīši – a name that has lived on in local memory and conversations for generations. Here, a homestead name is not just an address – it is an identity.

Living History Among Stone Foundations

The buildings at Polīši still contain tangible traces from various periods in history. Here you’ll find:

  • Old furniture – handmade and used by several generations

  • Tools – from hand tools to agricultural implements

  • Household items and textiles – dishes, dowry chests, weaving and spinning tools, linen towels

  • Books and documents – in both Latvian and foreign languages, reflecting the education and interests of the owners

  • Clothing and accessories – including some with cultural and historical significance

Each item here is not merely a “thing” – it is a fragment of life as it was before us. These artifacts are not preserved in museum silence, but rather live on in the daily rhythm of today – inspiring creative work, everyday choices, and the people who visit this place.

A Way of Life Rooted in the Past, Looking to the Future

Today, Polīši has been revived as a space for creativity and connection to one’s roots. Two workshops operate here – VS-Audio (Hi-Fi audio equipment) and E-Skrins (clothing design and folk costume making) – where the historic environment organically intertwines with modern ideas and technology.

Life at Polīši embodies both respect for ancestral heritage and an openness to the new. It’s a place where you might find an ornate display cabinet from the early 20th century next to a 21st-century Hi-Fi tube amplifier; a place where traditional folk skirts can be sewn on grandma’s sewing machine and then showcased on a digital platform.

Technology

In Polīši resides a small yet unique workshop: VS-Audio, where technology, craftsmanship, and a love for music come together in perfect harmony. Here, Vitautas Skrinskas creates Hi-Fi class audio equipment designed for true sound enthusiasts.

Handcrafted Excellence and the Magic of Tubes

VS-Audio specializes in the production of tube-based equipment, where every connection, soldering point, and component choice is carefully considered and crafted by hand. The workshop produces the following devices:

  • Tube amplifiers – delivering warm, deep, and nuanced sound in a classic style

  • Tube phono preamps – specially suited for vinyl record lovers

  • Headphone amplifiers – offering high-quality sound for an intimate listening experience

  • Tone control units – for precise frequency adjustments tailored to the listener's taste

  • Other custom-made devices – built to individual technical specifications

Each unit is both a technological instrument and a design object – a visually and acoustically rich element for your home audio space.

Listen, Compare, and Feel

At the VS-Audio workshop, you can not only view or purchase the equipment but also listen to music on various media formats, experiencing the differences between analog and digital sound:

  • Vinyl records

  • Magnetic tape and cassette tapes

  • CDs

  • Digital sources (USB, network players)

All equipment is demonstrated live, allowing visitors to compare devices and choose the sound that suits them best.

Design

Next to the audio workshop is the E-Skrins studio, where Eva Skrinska creates garments for both special occasions and everyday wear. Here, the following are crafted:

  • Custom-made clothing for festive and everyday use

  • Traditional Latvian folk costumes based on historical and ethnographic traditions

  • Contemporary outfits with ethnic elements that blend Latvian identity with modern design

  • Digital designs – for prints on clothing, accessories, and household items

At the E-Skrins studio, every piece is created with respect for the material, functionality, and the wearer’s preferences. It is a place where textiles are given form and meaning – whether it’s a finely crafted linen shirt, an elegant celebration dress, or a multi-piece folk costume that carries cultural values to future generations.