Samozveri. Handmade books. 1929-1935

The exhibition presents more than 30 children's educational books of the 1920-1930s from the collection of the National Library and private collections.

“Samozveri” - is the title of an unpublished book with a poem of one of the members of “lefovzy” (Left Front of Art) Sergei Tretyakov and illustrations by Alexander Rodchenko and Varvara Stepanova. The main idea of the book inspired young readers to make the characters from ordinary things that could be found at home.
“Samozveri” is one of the best examples of a new kind of children's book, which appeared in Soviet Russia in the late 1920s – a handmade book. At the turn of 1920-1930-ies there were printed many books which developed the design skills of children, as well as special columns for children in the press. No coincidence that this time became the golden age of handmade books.

The country underwent a “reconstruction period” - the establishment of the national industry. A special role was destined for the future builders of socialism. Children's book publishers encountered new challenges - to introduce children to the technology, manufacturing and professions. In addition to stories about manufacturing the book contained “instructions” on how to make toy factories, machines and items oneself.
The exhibition at the Museum of St. Petersburg avant-garde presents books of the turn of the 1920-1930's, in which children are encouraged to design toys made of paper, corks, match boxes, wood, metal and other materials. The exhibition demonstrates not only the handmade books but also cutting out books, coloring books, etc.
The books “Samodelki”, “Paper and scissors”, “They jump, they fly” teach to work with paper and scissors.

Admission to the exhibition with a general ticket of the St. Petersburg Museum of avant-garde.