How the Library of D.V. Ulyaninsky Entered the State Rumyantsev Museum

Abstract

Based on the unpublished documents, the author reconstructs the history of acquisition of the famous book collection of D.V. Ulyaninsky (1861—1918) by the State Rumyantsev Museum. The well-selected library, significant part of which consisted of publications on bibliography, book studies and book business, became widely known thanks to the three-volume printed catalogue prepared by the owner.After the suicide of bibliophile in February 1918, which occurred due to the threat of deprivation of the apartment where the library was kept, the collection was bought by the State Rumyantsev Museum. Archival documents allow examining this process in detail. During his life, D.V. Ulyaninsky had extensive connections with the oldest museum in Moscow, but he clearly had no plans to transfer or sell his library to the institution. After his tragic death, the State Rumyantsev Museum first moved his library to the museum’s territory. Then, despite the presence of third-party buyers, the museum actually forced the widow of the collector T.F. Ulyaninskaya to sell the library, taking into account the circumstance that the library located in her apartment. The organizer of the actions on acquisition of the D.V. Ulyaninsky book collection was the librarian of the State Rumyantsev Museum Y.V. Gauthier; and the Head of the reading room Y.G. Kvaskov assessed the collection. The article introduces into scientific circulation the materials on assessment of the library and the contract of the State Rumyantsev Museum with the widow of bibliophile, which legally secured the transfer of ownership of the collection of D.V. Ulyaninsky to the State Rumyantsev Museum.