The collection of the museum features numerous paintings and drawings by the artist Pyotr Dmitrievich Buchkin that were donated by his family in the 1960s. The artist’s name was given to the painting gallery that was located in one of the buildings of the Saint Alexis Convent in the second half of the 20th century.

The Buchkins lived in Uglich for a long time and were well-known among the citizens. Born in the village of Sofronovo, Tver Region in 1886, Pyotr Buchkin spent his childhood in Uglich and was acquainted with the families of local icon painters. As a young man, he moved to St. Petersburg where he studied and later taught at the Academy of Arts.

His younger stepbrother, the ballet artist, director, poet, and writer Mikhail Dmitrievich Buchkin, who was also known under the nickname “Uglich” was just as popular. Mikhail Uglich was born at the very beginning of a new century, in 1901, and, as many people of his generation, dreamed of the new world — the world of young energy and perfection. As a young man, Mikhail Buchkin became fascinated with the aesthetics of physical training and founded a sports society for children and youth (“Sparta”). Following in the footsteps of his brother, Mikhail went to study to St. Petersburg. However, both Pyotr and Mikhail always stayed in touch with their city and home. Remembering his youth in Uglich, Mikhail Buchkin wrote,

This portrait was painted in 1927. For Mikhail Uglich, that year marked the beginning of important events. He graduated from the department of Russian and choreography at the Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education. Having experience as a premier dancer, he started working as a ballet master. In the early 1930s, he brought his long-cherished idea to life: the first Theater of Physical Education was established in the Soviet Union and Mikhail became its director. Posters have been preserved, indicating the programs of sports and acrobatic performances accompanied by classical music. Mikhail Buchkin established his own direction in sports that abandoned the focus on competition and results and instead celebrated the harmonious development of the human body and its artistic presentation. However, soon the war broke out, all the employees including the director joined the army, and the theater ceased to exist.

Mikhail Buchkin wrote extensively, dedicating many of his works to Uglich, including poems, legends in verse, memories, and short stories.