Russian Craftsmen
"The neatness with which a Russian workman uses his tools is unequalled. In place of the ten or twelve different instruments, which a carpenter in other countries must have constantly…
Location: Russia
Note: This article has been excerpted from a larger work in the public domain and shared here due to its historical value. It may contain outdated ideas and language that do not reflect TOTA’s opinions and beliefs.
From Excursions in the Interior of Russia by Robert Bremner, 1839.
The neatness with which a Russian workman uses his tools is unequalled. In place of the ten or twelve different instruments, which a carpenter in other countries must have constantly about him, a Russian has only three or four; indeed, his principal and often sole companion is the axe - a sharp and good one it is, with a short handle. We have often watched him at work, laying a floor or making a chair, and it is really astonishing what he does with it alone. The ease, and the grace even, with which he wields it (always with one hand) would be a lesson to the most skilful of our artisans. Without plane or line, he cuts and joins two deals, as neatly as if they were one. A firm hand, a good eye, and great coolness, supply the place of tools to him.
The facility of imitation possessed by the Russians is another remarkable point in their character. They cannot invent, but will copy anything you choose to set before them. Say only, I want the match of this; and done it is as correct a facsimile as could be desired. They will make not only small things in this way, but even large articles of the most complicated construction. We have examined a pianoforte, made the other year by peasant in some country place, who had never seen but one in his life before. He had very few tools at command; but, thinking he should like to have an instrument to match the one whose sweet sounds had given him so much pleasure, he set to work, and made a most excellent copy. Some one having told the emperor of the feat, a handsome price was offered for the instrument, and it now occupies an honourable place in his own palace at Moscow.
These imitations are not confined to the ruder branches of mere mechanical labour. The Russians are equally successful in copying pictures, and in all the more delicate kinds of work, requiring accuracy of eye and delicacy of touch.
Robert Bremner, Excursions in the Interior of Russia (London: H. Colburn, 1839), 162-163.
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