On 7th December 2023, the exhibition “Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich – Military Leader, Philanthropist, Saint” opened at the Bryansk State Museum of Local Lore. The younger brother of Emperor Nicholas II, was the most closely associated member of the Russian Imperial Family with with the Bryansk region.

From 1899 to 1917, Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich owned the vast Brasov estate, which he visited several times and which under his leadership turned into an exemplary economic enterprise. The main estate of the Brasov estate was situated in the village of Lokot, which included a beautiful manor house and park, it became a favorite place for the Grand Duke and his family. There Mikhail Alexandrovich received guests, among whom were the great Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff and the famous artist Stanislav Zhukovsky.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the main events in the life of of Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich and the historical epoch with which he is so closely connected. The exhibition features many unique exhibits, including silver coins and Imperial Orders, issues of the magazine “Niva“, military uniforms of cavalry units and formations commanded by the Grand Duke, furniture and samples of decorative and applied art in the style of the interiors of the Brasov estate and the Gatchina Palace.

© Paul Gilbert. 29 December 2023

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MISHA: GRAND DUKE MICHAEL ALEXANDROVICH
Compiled and Edited by Paul Gilbert

Paperback edition. 136 pages + 50 black & white photographs

CLICK HERE TO ORDER PAPERBACK EDITION

Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich (1878-1918) was the youngest son of Emperor Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna, and the younger brother of Russia’s last emperor Nicholas II.

This book explores the milestones in the life of Grand Duke Michael in a series of essays by four distinct authors, and complemented with 50 black and white photographs.

Among them are the memories of Princess Olga Pavlovna Putyatina, who in February 1917, offered refuge to the grand duke at her flat on Millionnaya Street in Petrograd.

Independent researcher Paul Gilbert offers two fascinating essays: the first reviews an album of some 200 photographs taken by Grand Duke Michael, during his stay at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire. England, 1913-1914 . The album sold at auction for more than 2 million rubles ($34,000 USD).

The final essay examines the myth that Michael was the last Tsar of Russia, he was not. Nicholas II remained Emperor and Tsar of Russia until the day of his death and martyrdom on 17th July 1918.

Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovich and his Secretary Nikolai Nikolaevich Johnson, were both murdered by the Bolsheviks near Perm on 13 June 1918. Their remains have never been found.