The significance of the ascetic activity of Pyotr Dmitrievich Baranovsky (1892-1984) is only just beginning to be properly recognized by wide circles of the public, and it is important to back up the legendary ideas about him with solid, reliable knowledge.
The collection that these lines preface is the first attempt to bring together the scientific and creative heritage of the outstanding architect-restorer and to capture in the testimonies of people who knew Baranovsky closely the image of a passionate champion of national culture.
.Articles, reports, methodological developments, plans for extensive research, documents identified in archives, book depositories and prepared for publication are of enormous value, since the published works of P.D. Baranovsky are the fundamental principle, the scientific basis of successful restoration. The principles and methods developed by Baranovsky for recreating lost architectural monuments or their most valuable elements were, until recently, essentially deprived of authorship. It seems that the publication of the collection will put an end to this injustice once and for all.
.The memorial plaque on the Kazan Cathedral, returned from oblivion, reminds millions of people that we owe the miracle of resurrection of this national shrine to Pyotr Dmitrievich Baranovsky, who made the measurement drawings of the ancient structure.
The collection sheds light on numerous other acts of Pyotr Dmitrievich, which, we believe, will help to reliably recreate the lost national heritage.
Compiled by: Yu. A. Bychkov, O. P. Baranovskaya, V. A. Desyatnikov, A. M. Ponomarev.