Shimkevich Alexander

Shimkevich Alexander (1858-1907), Architect of Polish origin. Born in St. Petersburg. In 1867 – 75 he studied at the St. Petersburg school named after Karl May. In 1883 he graduated from the St. Petersburg Art Academy, acquiring profession of an architect. In 1885 he filled the position of an architect at the local government of Tbilisi and settled there. In 1897 – 1901 he was elected the deputy of Tbilisi City Assembly. In 1905 – 06 he lectured at Tbilisi Academy of Art.

In Tbilisi the following buildings were designed by A. Shimkevich: Islam House (1885), Caucasian Silk House (1892), Chamber of the Court of Justice and the District Court (presentday Supreme Court of Georgia, 1894), Music House (currently – State Conservatoire named after V. Sarajishvili, 1904), House of Actors’ Society (presentday Rustaveli State Theater; together with architect K. Tatishvili, 1901), structure of Funicular (together with architect Blumen; 1905) along with a number of private residen- tial houses.

A. Shimkevich’s creations were characterized by their innate stylistic diversity (Rustaveli Theater stands out in this respect); he merged Wetern European forms (based on the Renaissance-Baroque style) with historically established Georgian structures.

Alexander Shimkevich died in Warsaw, was buried in Tbilisi.