Restoration of the estate, which once belonged to the Prushinsky and Lyubansky families, has taken six years. In the 1920s, it was home to academician Vavilov and, a century earlier, to Dunin-Marcinkiewicz. Work began in 2008, though plans were initiated in 2002, by Minsk City Executive Committee: entitled ‘On the Restoration and Development of Loshitsa Estate and Park Complex in Minsk’.
The Deputy Director of Minsk’s History Museum, Piotr Khotko, tells us that it was very difficult for restorers and designers to come to a unified decision, delaying work with contractors. He notes, “Now, thank God, everything is over. The experts have completely restored the original shape of the estate, with lost features recreated in modern materials. The estate is living once more, which is the important thing. We hope that everyone visiting the halls may be filled with the spirit of the 19th century.”
In fact, the architectural elements, fragments of picturesque decor, mouldings and ornamentally tiled stoves and fireplace look like new. The impression is deceptive: all the stoves are authentic and each is a work of art. They would work for their intended purpose if needed but are not lit, on safety grounds.
Restoring the interiors has taken several years, since war and time had not spared the floors, windows or ceilings. Some fragments have been left as they were, so that the work undertaken can be appreciated.
By Yuliana Leonova
