Detailed report (autumn 2008)

History of deterioration
What has been done so far
Action required

Action required:

1. Purchase of 10 mobile convector heaters as a short-term solution to heating the museum this winter.

2. Design and installation of an effective museum-quality climate-control system for long-term preservation of the house.

3. Drainage works, and the design and installation of a water-diverting collector system in order to protect the house and other historic buildings on the museum territory from further cracks, subsidence and high levels of humidity which have led to mould and damp.

4. Dozens of trees planted by Chekhov himself in the garden are in need of specialist restoration and ongoing care.s

5. Restoration of the annexe which served as the kitchen during Chekhov’s time, and which contains an original Russian stove and cooking utensils. The building is a part of the museum ensemble, but has never received proper attention, or been open to the public. It is in need of a building survey and restoration plan, as well as funds to carry out the work.

6. The modern building built next to the house in 1966 is in urgent need of repair. The building houses the permanent literary exhibition “Chekhov’s Life and Work”, and various cultural and academic events take place here, including the museum’s well-known annual international conference (amongst other things, the museum is an important centre of scholarly research). This building also contains the museum’s precious archive and an extensive library. At present there are numerous leaks in the roof, the basement is in a state of collapse, the walls are covered with cracks, and the heating system is also in need of modernization (since it shares the same boiler-house system as the house).

7. Many of Chekhov’s personal belongings in the museum are in need of conservation work. They have not received attention since the late 1980s.

If you can help the Chekhov House-Museum in Yalta whether by contributing your expertise, giving financial aid or helping to publicise the cause, please, contact us at yaltachekhov@gmail.com