Yakhont Oleg V. — Candidate of Art History, Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, honorary restorer of Moscow, artist-restorer of the highest category; The State Research Institute for Restoration, Leading researcher of the Outdoor Sculpture Scientific Conservation Department
E-mail: natalyafomina@yandex.ru

The article examines the history of the formation of the system of protection of monuments of art and culture in Russia in the 1917–1920's. On the example of the Institute of Archaeological (Historical) Technology (IAT–IIT) in Petrograd. The IAT is considered by the author as a predecessor of the State Research Institute for Restoration in terms of the goals, objectives, methods and principles of its activities. The purpose of the article is to introduce into scientific circulation previously unpublished documents testifying to the organization and active activity of this scientific institution during these years. Conducted by the author from the standpoint of modern scientific protection and restoration of historical and cultural monuments, an analytical review of documents testifying to the outstanding role of scientists of humanitarian and natural knowledge, restorers in the formation of complex interdisciplinary approaches to the study and restoration of monuments of the past. The author introduces into scientific circulation the forgotten names of scientists and restorers, their publications, which have not lost their theoretical and practical significance to the present time. The review of the institute's activities was conducted in the cultural and political context of the time, which allowed to reveal the scientific integrity and dedication of outstanding representatives of the culture of that time. The author comes to the conclusion: acquaintance with a number of archival documents opened the pages of the history of the Institute of Archaeological Technology (IAT), which laid the foundation for the formation of museum and restoration activities in the tragic years of our country – as a research work.

Comprehensive research, Institute of Archaeological Technology, interdisciplinary approach, scientific restoration, The system of protection of monuments of art and culture.