 The death of Savva Yamschikov, a renowned restorer and fine arts expert, is a severe loss for the Russian art, culture and public life. His contribution into preservation of historical and cultural heritage of Russia, uncompromising stand and understanding that it is necessary to spare no effort so that to preserve all that is attributed to the specific traits of the Russian history and culture are invaluable.
We are proud that together with Savva Yamschikov we fought against elimination of the Central House of Artists (Tzentralny Dom Khudozhnika, TzDKh) in Moscow, and managed to save it. On March 2, 2009, we made a joint statement at a press conference that we would do all in our power to defend TzDKh. And today I confirm that we shall continue protecting TzDKh further.
Together with YABLOKO Savva Yamschikov protected space ship Vostok from dismantling and destruction at the Moscow Exhibition Centre (VVTz). The government has not abolished such plans yet, however, with interference of such an well-known person as Savva we managed to suspend the process. On March 31 Savva personally participated in the party picket in defence of Vostok. Now we can state that Vostok will not repeat the fate of TU-104 plane barbarically dismantled on the territory of the Exhibition Centre.
Every time we saw that Savva was making a great physical effort to go somewhere, to make a speech or interfere. He was not feeling well, however, his moral imperative drove him to make this.
I shall remember forever our meeting with Savva in December 2008 in his studio. His great personality and charisma were obvious. And I am grateful to the fate that I could meet Savva Yamschikov, a representative of true Russian intelligencia, he obviously symbolizes the best traits of our nation.
In this moment of grief I am expressing my sincere condolences to Savva’s spouse Valentia Mikhailovna Gannibalova, his daughter Marfa, all the relatives, next to kin, his friends and colleagues.
Sincerely,
Sergei Mitrokhin
Chairman of the YABLOKO party
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