FELTEN Yuri Matveyevich
(1730 or 1732-1801)

An architect, the representative of classicism. Graduated from Petersburg Academy of Sciences (1740-1745), then studied in Germany (1745-1750). In 1750   he returned to Petersburg and became the "architect-genzel" in the Academy of Sciences, where he continued his studies with the architect I.Ya.Schumakher. Since 1754 worked with V.V.Rastrelli  (since 1760 was his Chief Assistant,including Winter Palace construction). Since 1762 was the Chief Architect of the "Building Office". Was the lecturer in the Academy of Arts since 1772 and director during 1789-1794. The most famous masterpieces are: the College for petty bourgeois maidens and Alexander's Institute, the Old Hermitage (1771-1787), small elegant churches - Lutheran Church of St.Anna, Lutheran Church of St.Catherine, Armenian Church, the Church of St.John the Predecessor's Naissance. In some constructions the infatuation with pseudo-Gothic could be seen (Chesma Palace, Chesma Church). In 1760-s participated in the construction of granite embankments in the central part of St.-Petersburg, including Palace embankment with the bridge across the Winter Ditch (Zimnyaya Kanavka); the Summer Garden railing construction is connected with these works. He was the leader of Peter the Great's   monument (the "Bronze Horseman") during its construction. Constructed several park structures in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), reconstructed the interiors of the Grand Palace in Peterhof (Petrodvorets), designed the building of the Cutting Factory (1777).