Karolj Folkman (Voklmann Károly) was born in Turski (Novi) Bečej on November 4, 1847, to father Peter Folkman and mother Aloisia Hanek. Karolj Folkman was married to Josefa Fekete, who bore him two daughters and three sons. An interesting fact is that at the baptism of his daughter Šarolta in 1883, the godfather listed in the birth register was Đula Folkman (Volkman), a photographer from Bačka Topola. On a document dated December 14, 1918, alongside the signatures of Novi Bečej postal officials, is also the signature of Mikloš Folkman (Volkmann), son of Karolj Folkman (Volkmann).
After learning the craft of photography (presumably with István Oldal the Elder in Nagybecskerek), Karolj Folkman opened the first stationary studio in Turski (Novi) Bečej around 1870. The house where the Folkman family lived was numbered 492-494, where the studio was likely located as well. He worked in that studio until the end of the 19th century, as indicated by contemporary newspapers.5 In 1895, he was mentioned in an article related to the esteemed teacher József Obelc with the following words: “Portraits of the renowned teacher József Obelc can be obtained from the well-known photographer, Mr. Karolj Volkmann in Turski Bečej.” A document from 1885 shows that he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department almost from its inception, so it is surprising that no photographs with this theme have been found so far, except for photos of the brass band members. One of his photographs from that time is a panorama of Novi Bečej, taken from the Bačka side towards the dock and the town. This photograph was framed and displayed in the Catholic parish, and its reproduction was made by photographer Géza Sakač in the late 1980s. This photograph is considered one of the rare panoramic photographs by Karolj Folkman. There are many more available photographs featuring well-known personalities—portraits of Armin Bizek, Kornel Bizek, Katica Štaud, and others. From wealthy residents and their families, there are photographs of the Arsen Glavaš family, the Đerđ Lukseder family, and the Glavaš-Trbić family.
Visiting cards and photographs with the name and signature of Karolj Folkman can be found almost until the end of the 19th century, when he disappears from records. During this time, photographs of Karolj Varšanji (Varsányi Károly) appear, leading to the conclusion that a new photographer and new studio had emerged in Turski (Novi) Bečej. However, further research revealed that Karolj Folkman, for unknown reasons, changed his surname to Varšanji on November 17, 1898.6 Accordingly, from then on, the back of the card-mounted photographs features a new design and inscription with the new surname: Varšanji Karolj, photographer in Turski Bečej.
5 Zalai Közlöny 1895
6 Historical Archive of Zrenjanin, Birth Register 1852-1863
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