Living thread of tradition: a unique workshop on making traditional rag dolls held at the National Centre RUSSIA
Another workshop within the framework of the patchwork exposition "The Soul of Russia" was held on July 20 at the National Centre RUSSIA. Both beginners and experienced craftswomen explored the basics of making traditional rag dolls. The practical session was conducted by Tatyana Basova — a renowned collector and researcher of folk dolls.
Tatyana Basova's collection includes several thousand items. A mathematician by education, she has been collecting dolls for more than twenty years, mostly finding them in small villages in the Vologda, Kaluga, and other regions.
"Contemporary designer dolls are sewn based on traditional folk ones, and today the workshop participants learned the simplest techniques that our grandmothers used. At the same time, despite the similarities, dolls differed not only from region to region, but even from village to village. The craftsmanship was passed down through generations, and sometimes one could tell where a grandmother was from just by the way she made dolls," said Tatyana Basova.
Participants of all ages attended the event, which the organisers of the workshop believe is especially important for preserving and passing on the country’s cultural code.
"Grandmothers and mothers who bring their children to such events plant very important seeds — and I am sure they will grow. Because the first thing children see is how seriously adults treat creativity. And they begin to understand that seemingly simple forms carry deep meaning. Moreover, handicraft is closely connected with the development of thinking and creativity. That is why such workshops give people a strong incentive to further explore our culture and creativity, to look at the best masters and learn from them," said Rimma Bybina, organiser and head of the International Patchwork Festival "The Soul of Russia."
The youngest participant of the creative session was six-year-old Nastya from Moscow.
"I liked making a tiny baby and an angel, and I was surprised that you could make such beautiful toys from just scraps and cotton wool. I did this for the first time, but it wasn’t hard — because it was interesting," the girl shared.
"It was a wonderful workshop, and Tatyana Viktorovna is amazing! She’s a true expert in dolls, with truly encyclopaedic knowledge. We saw all sorts of dolls and really enjoyed it. It’s a whole history, and part of our national identity embedded in us since childhood," added Marina, a Muscovite who is a bit older.
The patchwork exposition "The Soul of Russia" is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from July 15 to 27. The exposition features panel artworks and clothing made in the patchwork technique by contemporary masters from different regions of Russia. Each item is more than just a combination of fabrics — it is a powerful symbol connecting past and present.
More information about upcoming workshops within the exposition, as well as other creative and educational events at the National Centre RUSSIA, can be found on the russia.ru website under the "Events" section.
The All-Russian student holiday "Your Graduation" brought together 600 outstanding university graduates from more than 80 regions of the country.
The All-Russian student celebration "Your Graduation" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA.
