Nicholas's Reception Room in 1993

[BobAtchison]

Here are two pictures of the room in 1993.  The center wall panels have been replaced with the wrong wood - these panels were smashed out by the Germans and Spanish troops in WWII looking for valuables.  The fabric is original and is a gold-stamped blue velvet .  The chandelier and door are original to the room.

That's me with the former curator of the palace who was killed in a mysterious car wreck a few months later.

Bob

[Sunny]

Thank you so much Bob... many thoughts and images go through your mind when looking at such photographs. These pictures are precious.

[Cathy]

Dear Bob
To say again, you must have terrific photo albums - thanks for sharing so much with us - of course, I would love to see more - do you have this room (and others) showing the damage after WWII and before the repairs?
Thanks
Cathy

[Cathy]

And Bob, do you have any theories about '...the former curator of the palace who was killed in a mysterious car wreck a few months later..'?
Thanks, Cathy

[BobAtchison]

Joanna - it's actually a fabric that had been block stamped with gilt fleur-de-lys - It seems to me it was a brushed material, but it could have been silk.  The blue is much faded.  This room shows how most of the rooms of the private wing would have looked today had the interiors not been destroyed after the war.

Bob

[BobAtchison]

Cathy:

This curator was named Miloslavovich and he worked in the palace when it was completely controlled by the Baltic Fleet.  He was an incredibly kind and gracious man.  We met him several times and also I met his daughter.

He was killed in an auto crash which was reported to be 'suspicious' in the St. Petersburg press of the time.  I don't know anything more about the circumstances.

Bob

[Antonio_P.Caballer]

Bob,
I keep wondering why the wooden flowers of the fireplace are preserved_restored while Nicholas´initials(?) "HII" that were placed between them have disapeared... Do you know if it was purposely done?

[Merrique]

I love looking at these photos.It really shows me how beautiful the AP was and still is today.I bet you have photo albums full of some wonderful pictures Bob.I would love to see them.This is one of the many reasons why I love site and this forum.There are so many people here that know so many things and share so much with the rest of us.It may sound corny but I'm very grateful for that.

[pastpalacelife]

Any chance the pictures from Bob could be reposted?