Mosfair for Teddies and Dolls, Moscow 2008


The snow tires of the cars are making a rhythmical ticking noise on the asphalt when I am driving from Moscow’s Sjeretemevo Airport to the city centre, but these special equipped tires are totally useless today. The fact is that Mother Nature has made a mistake. Usually the beginning of April is cold with temperatures around zero, rests of snow still covering the roads. But today Moscow is welcoming me with a bright blue sky and the sun warms nude arms of the Muscovites, who have their jackets carelessly over the shoulder and left their fur coats home. Temperatures are above 20 C, and have never risen higher than these days in early spring. Although this is my 3rd visit to Moscow I am still surprised how the square grey concrete flats are conflicting with the stylish historical buildings and the whimsical gold covered basilicas of this metropolis. Formerly an old-style chaotic market, the Tishinka building has been transformed into a huge up-to-date trade centre a few years ago. On its first floor the 1500 m2 futuristically and colorful designed exhibition hall “T-Module” has been realized. This unique innovational designed exhibition space is the venue of the Mosfair 2008, organized by the Russian Doll House, from 3 – 6 of April. It is Moscow’s second International Show for Teddy Bears and Dolls and related goods. More than 175 participants from all parts of Russia, but also from Germany, Suisse, UK and the Netherlands show off the crиme-de-la-crиme during the well attended fair.

Svetlana Volina, coordinator and director of the exhibition and charming and indispensable translator Julia Khokhlova welcome me cordially when I arrive at the show. I respond to a ‘high five’ from Manfred and Helga Schepp, who have a booth with promotional material for their ‘Teddy Total’ in Germany. Marianne Schmidt is persuading customers to attend her ‘Baerenfestival’ in sophisticated Zьrich and in a nicely dressed stand the Malu bears of Marie-Luise Barwitzki are patiently waiting for their adoption. A little further the English Corner Shop has revealed its old laces and trimmings. My friend Natasja Kataeva from Perm, founder of the first Russian Teddy Bear Club, gives me a helping hand displaying the creations. The show is a cheerful and relaxed place to ‘meet and greet’ for collectors and artists. Well known names as Gemma Cadge, Alena Zhirenkina, Alla Deraposova, Anastasia Kuptsova, sisters Buharaev and Echelle Boutique are not missing at this event. Highlight of the show is the display of teddies and friends of the Golden Potap in a showcase, the teddy bear contest, organized for the first time by the Club of Art Bears Collectors. According to an old tradition the Russians called the bear ‘potap’, hence this name. With promising categories like ‘Palsy-Walsy’, ‘Long, long time ago’, ‘Bear couturier’ and ‘Mohair traditions’, it was a difficult task to judge the beautiful entries. Favorites are the little rabbit Balerinka (little ballerina) from Julia Petrakova, made out of wood and little silk and lace details and the Pirate bear from Bella Kolosova . Not a single detail was missing in this +/-45 cm tall entry made from leather. Completed with the wooden leg, the globe painted on its body, an earring in the left ear and a tattoo of the mermaid, this sailor got its well deserved award. With a loud roll of drums the winners and runner-ups of all categories are announced and all receive their Winners Diploma of the Contest.
A trip to Moscow will not be complete without a visit to the Izmailovsky Market, south-east of Moscow. I decide to go by train, always a delight as most metro stations on the way towards the market are little museums, beautifully decorated with statues, paintings or mosaics. Looking for real Russian goods like the Matreshka’s (authentic nesting dolls), Palehk lacquer boxes, old, velvet covered, typical bears or hand knitted shawls, this open air flea market is a must-to-do. I discover some Misha bear items, the mascot of the Olympic Games in 1980 in Moscow. The bear historically symbolizes Russia, host of the largest population of the dark brown bear (Ursus Arctos, Red.) in the world. And Misha is one of this bear’s nick-names! With a little bit of Russia’s heritage in my suitcase I return back home in less than 3 hours by plane. “Spasiba Moscow” (‘Thank you’) for your warm reception!
Anna Koetse
www.annakoetse.com

Info: www.mosfair.ru
Izmailovsky market is to be reached by metro, Partizanskaya station
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