WLOCLAWEK

city, capital of Wloclawek wojewdztwo (province), northern Poland, on the Vistula River. An industrial centre specializing in the production of cellulose, it also contains chemical, pottery, and food-processing plants. Wloclawek was the seat of the Kujavian bishops during the 11th century, becoming one of the earliest developed towns in Wielkopolska (Great Poland); it was incorporated in 1256. The astronomer Copernicus studied there between 1489 and 1491. The town became a major industrial centre during the 19th century after the establishment of Poland's first paper mill and cellulose plant. Developing greatly after 1945, Wloclawek in the 1960s became the largest cellulose-production centre in Poland. Pop. (1982 est.) 110,000.