Moscow Cultural Heritage Department approves protection status of Goncharnaya Street estate’s main building

The Department of Cultural Heritage has approved the protection of the main building of a 17^th century city estate, located at 16 Goncharnaya Street, Bldg. 1. The building was built at the end of the 18^th – beginning of the 19^th century and has the status of a federal cultural heritage site. The first information about the estate is dated mid-18^th century. Back then, it belonged to Alexei Fyodorov, advisor of the Collegium of State Income. By the end of the century, the estate became a classicist city estate, with the main building located deep inside the main courtyard and a large garden.

“The main building of the estate in Goncharnaya Street is an interesting Moscow landmark. Its facades have features of the late Moscow Classicism and Empire styles. The building is decorated by a magnificent six-column portico, elegant stuccos, Ionic columns, arches, modillions, cartouches, cornices and white stone window sills. As part of a large study, experts have compiled a list of all the historical elements that give the landmark its unique appearance. Any restoration work will now be carried out with due regard for the approved protection status,” said Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage Alexei Yemelyanov.

Yemelyanov noted that the building underwent renovation in 1961–1962, which restored its appearance and layout from the first third of the 19^th century.

A large hall with a mirror ceiling and spandrels, which go through the front of the corridor, catches the eye. In addition, a distemper painting on the ceiling plafond plays an important role. It employs the grisaille technique, with a golden shade imitating a box vault with caissons and rosettes. The picturesque frieze along the perimeter of the central living room was done a la Charles Cameron. Light curls of listel alternate with images of elegant jugs, birds, fruit vases and garlands of various colours.

The ceiling in the large sitting room is painted in the same manner, but with more lush patterns. The Empire-era doors, drawn ceiling cornices, and sandstone window sills have been restored in the front enfilade. All these and other important elements are now protected.