Vladimir Churov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, commented the International Exhibition of Calligraphy

Vladimir Churov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, offered his sincere vision of the role and scale of the International Exhibition of Calligraphy featuring a true milestone – the first handwritten copy of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

The first ever handwritten copy of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, presented at the International Exhibition of Calligraphy in the city of Saint-Petersburg is a massive joint effort of a talented team of calligraphy writers and publishers.

Sophisticated and refined, this folio was displayed on September 17, 2008. The total number of exhibits reached three hundred fifty works created by superior representatives of various calligraphic schools coming from twenty-four countries.

““My home library cannot boast of a handwritten copy of the 1993 Constitution of the Russian Federation, but I have several pages taken from this Constitution and featuring the editorial changes by Anatoly Sobchak, made right in front of me,” Mr. V. Churov noted.

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation mentioned that his writing is quite clear and reader-friendly. “The way I write is typical of navigation officers. I learnt how to write this peculiar way when I was studying at the departments of Navigation and Hydrographics. You know, journey books, logbooks tended to have this way of writing in them – with the whole lot of map notes and other marks. I think I inherited my father’s writing,” he added.

Moreover, he highlighted the fact that the Constitution comes to have a very important “touristic” and “gift” roles, as it serves as a basis of a variety of unique souvenirs, including microscopic books and giant copies. Nonetheless, we should all bear in mind that the Flag, the Coat of Arms, the National Anthem, the Constitution and the Order For Merit to the Fatherland 1^st Class are the core attributes of Russia.

The International Exhibition of Calligraphy opened up its halls filled with calligraphic items from the past and the present-day reality. This collection exceeded two hundred fifty exhibits. Among them were the most challenging and unexplored samples of Slavic writing, a comprehensive range of historical manuscripts and manuscripts of the peoples of the world. Besides, this collection was partly comprised of rare letters and documents belonging to the Russian Imperial House of Romanov. These documents were kindly provided by the Russian State Historical Museum.
Besides, all visitors were able to explore a rich collection of rare manuscripts and miniature books from several private collections, writing utensils of all ages, and original items of applied calligraphy.

Every day numerous Russian and international artists and calligraphy writers delivered their master classes and calligraphy lessons for students and pupils. In the context of the first International Exhibition of Calligraphy round-table discussions, seminars, calligraphic performances, contests for professionals and amateurs were held.

Source: International Exhibition of Calligraphy