Igor Borodin successfully defended his dissertation

On December 23, 2024, Igor Borodin successfully defended his dissertation, The Formation and Development of Tapestry Restoration Practices in Russia from the 19th to the 21st Century, earning the academic degree of Candidate of Historical Sciences (equivalent to a PhD in Historical Sciences). Igor Borodin’s research represents the first comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the historical experience of working with woven tapestries, encompassing both Russian and international practices. The materials and interpretations presented in the dissertation make a significant contribution to reconstructing the history of tapestry restoration practices in Russia from the 19th to the 21st century, considering the objective patterns and contradictions inherent in restoration and conservation work.

The defence took place at the Russian State University for the Humanities, under the specialization 5.10.2: Museum Studies, Conservation, and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Objects (meeting minutes No. 4, Dissertation Council 24.2.366.09).

We warmly congratulate Igor Borodin on the successful defence of his dissertation. For the first time in the history of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, the academic degree of Candidate of Sciences has been awarded to an art conservator—a professional who not only studies art but also develops innovative methods for the conservation and restoration of woven tapestries.

This academic recognition of Igor Borodin reflects not only his achievements as a researcher and scholar but also acknowledges the significant contributions of art conservators and restoration workshops to the study and preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.