Saturday, 10th June 2023

The beginning of June saw our Managing Director, Andy Davis, travel to Ukraine to meet with those in the cultural sector operating to protect and preserve the country's cultural property.

During this time, Andy has documented what he saw and who he was able to meet reminding him of his goal to further understand how we can provide support to Ukraine during the difficult times they are facing. Keep reading to find out more about his trip.

05/06/2023 - Andy met with Ihor Poshyvailo among others in Kyiv to better understand the issues facing the heritage and cultural sector in Ukraine. The images and evidence of wanton destruction are far more powerful when seeing the true extent on the ground. Andy says, 'It was brilliant to meet with museum workers about their concerns for the future, while at the same time being exposed to a small sample of what the future can hold when its illegal conflict is over.'

06/06/2023 - Andy saw first-hand the protective methods used to desperately save monuments, statues, and fountains. The impact of the damage caused to buildings including museums and galleries was captured as Andy visited the Kyiv Picture Gallery which still has bordered up windows since the Russian missile in October 2022. The Khanenko Museums, only a few doors down and closer to the location of the blast, did not suffer the same level of damage due to the installation of metal shutters. Andy mentions, 'This is a poignant reminder that the impact of failing to take a proactive approach to protective security can have longer-term impacts.' Andy also had the opportunity to be shown around The Khanenko Museum in Kyiv with museum worker, Marianna who explained the damage that had been caused by the missile attack and how they salvaged the artefacts using steps of recovery.

06/06/2023 - Another venue Andy had the privilege of visiting the very impressive Pechersk Lavra Museum complex, which encourages people to visit if they find themselves in Kyiv once the conflicts are over. The complex contains some very impressive artwork and religious artefacts that have stood the test of time through two world wars, and hopefully, the current conflict. 

06/06/2023 - Whilst exploring the capital, Andy came across several 'hedgehogs' located at different points in the city. as an anti-tank vehicle mitigation tool. He also spotted one of Banksy's famous artworks that were found. The famous art of two children can be found in Kyiv and when viewing it at the right angle shows the illusion of the 'hedgehog' as a see-saw.

06/06/2023 - Since the start of the ongoing war on the 24th of February 2022, the number of children who have been killed is displayed by a box of ammo containing shrapnel and other objects relating to the war. When Andy found this poignant place, the number of children who had lost their lives was 485 and had last been updated 2 days prior. The box is situated outside the ironically named 'Moscow Gate' within The War Museum (National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War).

07/06/2023 - Andy then discovered a second Banksy piece in the city of Boroldianka, a place devastated by the impact of war and conflict. He also visited Viazivka in the Zhytomyr District just 50km from the Belarus border where a place of worship was destroyed. Although of timber construction, it was renowned for its beauty and artistic value. No work has taken place since the air raid in 2022 which would prevent the condition from worsening. Therefore, artefacts had to be recovered for future generations.

 Andy had the privilege to visit the National Research Restoration Centre of Ukraine (NRCCU) with Director General Svitlana Stryelnikova and her team. NRCCU continues to provide national support to museums, galleries, and other cultural venues on behalf of the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture through this venue and three satellite offices nationwide. As well as the scheduled restoration and repair work they have also had to deal with the recovery and restoration of historical artefacts and pieces of cultural heritage caused by the war, all with limited resources and staff.

Upon returning to the UK, Andy said, "Visiting Ukraine has resulted in several poignant moments and venues that I will remember. I now truly understand what is needed to support Ukraine and intend to do so in the near future."