from imperial villas to humble sheds: dacha book records a vanishing fairytale wooden world

The Ducha Culture through Fyodor Savintsev’s Colorful Lens

The Dacha book unfurls a photographic exploration of dachas, a tradition deeply rooted in the Soviet Union dating back to the 17th century. Emerging as seasonal or vacation houses typically found in Russia and other Slavic countries, dachas were often used by urban residents as an escape from city life, especially during the summer.

Fyodor Savintsev illustrates the book with colorful photographs, which record these rapidly disappearing wooden retreats. Nestled amidst countryside landscapes or suburban enclaves, dachas vary in size and design, ranging from retro cottages to more spacious and comfortable homes. Published by FUEL, the book also delves into the broader cultural and historical significance of dachas, which have evolved over the years.

all images by FUEL

the book captures The Diverse World of Dachas

The term dacha encompasses a wide range of structures, from grand villas to humble sheds. Originally, they were given as rewards by the Tsar to loyal courtiers, a practice that continued into the Soviet era when cooperatives constructed dachas for their members. These structures were often allocated to those favored by the State, including famous writers, architects, and artists.

The book also touches on how the dacha tradition persisted through the dissolution of the Soviet Union, as economic uncertainties encouraged urban residents to use them for self-sufficiency. The dacha has become an integral part of Russian life, reflecting not just architectural diversity but also the country’s changing sociopolitical landscape.

Dachas have a long history in Russia, dating back to the 17th century

The Dacha book includes an introductory essay and archive images by Anna Benn, providing a well-rounded look at the dacha phenomenon, emphasizing that it’s not just a style of architecture but a way of life deeply ingrained in Russian culture and history.

Dachas vary in size and design, ranging from small cottages to larger, more comfortable homes