MINSK, 3 November (BelTA) - Andrzej Ciechanowiecki, a big friend of Belarus, a prominent figure of culture, art historian and patron, died in London at 92 on 2 November after a long illness, BelTA learned from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.
Andrzej Ciechanowiecki sponsored a number of international events dedicated to the study of the history and culture of Belarus. He provided assistance in the search for Belarusian cultural relics at auctions, in archives and private collections. He was the author of several publications on Belarus, in particular the monograph “Michal Kazimierz Oginski and his house of muses in Slonim”, "Nesvizh – the international center of culture in Belarus.” He financed the publication of several books on the history of Belarus, including "The history of homesteads in Belarus and Ukraine" (by Roman Aftanazy in 9 volumes).
Andrzej Ciechanowiecki provided sponsorship with the conservation of the underground burial vault of the Radziwill family at Nesvizh, the main altar of the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Grodno, played a crucial role in the inclusion of The Architectural and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Residence at Nesvizh into the UNESCO World Heritage List. He also played a decisive role in the adoption of a positive decision regarding the restoration work at Nesvizh Castle following the joint meeting of the Belarusian and Polish experts, which positively influenced the decision of the World Heritage Center on this site.
The Count donated Belarus a rare Slutsk sash, vintage watercolors (depicting Nesvizh Castle and Palace in Bocheikovo), several books that are currently kept in the library of the National Academy of Sciences. He also gave the books, two valuable antique portraits for a long exposition at Nesvizh Museum, porcelain items and the image of the coat of arms of the Radziwill family.
Almost from its very establishment, the Belarusian Embassy in the United Kingdom actively cooperated with Andrzej Stanislaw Ciechanowiecki. He maintained contacts with the Belarusian Culture Ministry, Belarusian scientists and cultural workers. “The demise of such an eminent scholar, guardian of Belarus' historical and cultural values and traditions is an irreparable loss not only for our country but also the entire international scientific and cultural community,” the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Andrzej Ciechanowiecki was born on 28 September 1924 in the family of Count George Ciechanowiecki – a Polish diplomat, the last owner of the estate in the village of Bocheikovo, Beshenkovichi District, Vitebsk Oblast. Andrzej Ciechanowiecki was a Polish and UK citizen. He earned a doctorate at Tubingen University, Germany.
Andrzej Ciechanowiecki was Honorary Member of the International Association of Belarusian Studies, Honorary Chairman of the Belarusian Nobility Association, Honorary Member of the Institute of History of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Honorary Member of the Eurasian Academy of Sciences, Honorary Chairman of the Belarus-Poland commission for shared cultural heritage, and Honorary Chairman of the group of experts involved in reconstruction of the Nesvizh Palace. Besides, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Belarusian State University.
Andrzej Ciechanowiecki was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples and the Order of Francysk Skaryna in Belarus. He also received state honors of Austria, the Vatican, Germany, Italy, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Poland, Senegal, France, and Sweden.
