History of Russia: “Gentry estates of Orenburg Krai” exhibition kicks off in Orenburg

“Gentry estates of Orenburg Krai” is the name of the exhibition which marks 220th birth anniversary of the writer Sergei Aksakov and is opening on September 28 2011 at Orenburg Regional History and Local Lore Museum.

“At the core of the exposition are household items, pieces of furniture, clothing, books and toys which have been brought together from museum expositions of four gentry estates, whose owners had left  their mark on the history of Orenburg Krai and were connected with Aksakov family”, said Olga Bobrova, curator of the exhibition.

Exhibits include children’s books, the ones read by children and younger relatives of the author of “The Scarlet Flower”, porcelain dolls they played. Here on display is furniture, family silver, books, clothing of that time from the estate of the famous Russian poet Gavrila Derzhavin, which was located in Buzuluk District of Orenburg Governorate. The exhibition also shows household items of the largest landowners of Orenburg Governorate – the Timashevs, and exhibits from the estate of Pyotr Rychkov - scholar, who was the first to research Orenburg Krai. A separate stand showcases authentic decrees of Empress Anna of Russia, who permitted local gentry to buy unoccupied lands, and also the decrees on granting allotments to members of gentry who distinguished themselves.

Organizers of the exhibition did not turn a blind eye to the life of the peasantry – mainly those who moved from central areas of Russia. “The mode of life of the gentry depended much on the work of peasants, therefore visitors of the exhibition can discover spinning wheels, weaver’s looms, kitchen utensils, handicraft tools”, said Olga Bobrova.

The exhibition gives a chance to see the clothes of peasants in 18th-19th centuries, homemade rag dolls of peasants’ children, and the cradles, where they fell asleep listening to lullabies of their mothers.

Organizers of the exhibition are going to present the history and culture of the way of life of gentry and peasants to residents and guests of Orenburg Region, who are arriving for the upcoming celebration of 220th birth anniversary of Sergei Aksakov on October 1. The exposition will run through February 2012.