For many centuries the traditional crafts that are steeped in legends and tales have brought joy to the Russians because of their skilfully worked designs. Many kinds of folk arts were brought to perfection in the region. Perhaps the most famous one is lacemaking. Even in the Middle Ages Vologda and Veliky Ustyug were noted for their lace. The 18th and 19th centuries are considered to be the golden ages of applied art in the Vologda Oblast. Thus, in the 19th century the Vologodians exhibited their works in Europe. According to the documents from the Vologda Record Office the lace was exported to some European cities. The merchants from Vologda took part in different foreign fairs, e.g. in Philadelphia (1876), Chicago (1893), Berlin (1909), Paris (1925). Numerous invitations, which are kept now in the Vologda Record Office, testify to the popularity of the Vologda applied art.

Vologda lace

Vologda lace has won deserved fame and world-wide recognition for its high artistic value, rich ornament, and excellent workmanship. The earliest laces, which have reached us, date back to the 17th century. The lace woven from golden and silver threads decorated rich civilian and church garments and was mostly used by the nobility.

By the middle of the 19th century laces had become widely traded. At the beginning of the 20th century Vologda lace gained its distinctive artistic and stylistic features. The richness and variety of the decorative pattern, the clear-cut easy line of the design, monumentality of forms and predominance of floral motives distinguish traditional Vologda lace.

At the World Fair in Paris in 1937 the Vologda Lace Association was awarded a prize for the novelty and artistry of its lace articles; at the Brussels Exhibition in 1958 Vologda lace was awarded Gold Medal.

The present development of lace weaving in Vologda and in Russia is above all associated with the "Snezhinka" lace firm. The firm employs lace-makers and professional designers. Lace is woven by hand with the help of bobbins. There is a great demand for lace products both in Russia and abroad.

Wood engraving

This traditional craft appeared in a small village near the Shemoksa river in the eastern part of the Oblast (18th century). The old craftsmen decorated their caskets and chests with the figures of animals and fairy-tale characters, with the scenes from the life of noblemen and peasants. The handicraft is characterized by simplicity of processing and abundance of cheap materials.

In 1882 the works of the Shemogod craftsmen exhibited in Moscow were a great success. Since that time the Shemogod craftsmen performed the orders of the Russian tsar's court. Today this handicraft is concentrated at the factory Velikoustyugskiye Uzory.

Niello

Many centuries ago the people of Veliky Ustyug were engaged in silver blacking - the process of creating a permanent design on the surface of precious metal (niello). Now Veliky Ustyug is the centre for northern niello. This traditional craft appeared in the 17th century. In the 18th century the artisans from Veliky Ustyug were invited to work in Moscow. The 20th century contributed greatly to further development of niello. The tradition is now maintained at the Severnaya Chern niello factory that was founded in 1932.

The unique crafts of Veliky Ustyug have gained international recognition. The art of white and coloured decorative enamel on copper is among them.

Handicrafts of Veliky Ustyug