Andrew Karelin was as well a famous collector, a connoisseur of antiquity, aware of the importance of preserving the historical heritage. According to the merchant Bakhrushin, ‘Everyone interested in ancient Russian things visited him, sometimes coming from afar’. Famous collector of the 19th century Shchukin often used his services and advice.
Every summer Karelin set off on a trip to the Nizhny Novgorod province, looking for unique items of folk art. Returning from his trips, he informed colleague collectors of his findings in letters.
Karelin often bought a lot of unique items for his collection at the Nizhny Novgorod fair. According to Shchukin’s recollections, “in the evenings one could meet Andrew in the Yaroslavl line at an antiquarian, where the photographer was searching the rarities”.
Every summer Karelin set off on a trip to the Nizhny Novgorod province, looking for unique items of folk art. Returning from his trips, he informed colleague collectors of his findings in letters.
Karelin often bought a lot of unique items for his collection at the Nizhny Novgorod fair. According to Shchukin’s recollections, “in the evenings one could meet Andrew in the Yaroslavl line at an antiquarian, where the photographer was searching the rarities”.