Exhibition on Pavloposad Shawls at the Museum of Religion History

At the exhibition, visitors will learn about the history of the recognizable patterns of Pavloposad shawls, the development of production, and the biography of one of the factory«s founders — Vasily Gryaznov, canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1999.

The project is organized in collaboration with the Historical and Art Museum of the Pavlovo-Posad Museum Complex.

Patterned woolen shawls became popular in Russia from the beginning of the 19th century, quickly spreading among the aristocracy and peasants. They were used not only as clothing but also for interior decoration and for vestments of clergy. From the mid-19th century, more affordable printed shawls began to displace expensive woven counterparts.

The leading producer of such shawls became the factory founded by Yakov Labzin (1827–1891) and Vasily Gryaznov (1816–1869) in Pavlovsky Posad. By the end of the 19th century, the enterprise became the industry leader. In the 1960s, printing machines from the Swiss firm «Buser» were used for applying patterns, which limited the palette to ten to twelve colors and the maximum size to 150 by 150 centimeters (59 by 59 inches). Modern shawls usually measure 145 by 145 cm (57 by 57 inches).

Pavloposad shawls are characterized by natural, mainly floral, motifs, although oriental patterns are also found. Shawls are still produced based on compositions by famous artists: Ekaterina Regunova, Zlata Olshevskaya, Nadezhda Slashcheva, Irina Dadonova, and Klara Zinovieva. Vintage examples with their original works are actively sought by collectors.

A separate section of the exhibition is dedicated to Vasily Gryaznov. Besides entrepreneurial activities, he served for many years as the churchwarden of the Pavlovo-Posad Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, donated funds for the church«s decoration, organized an almshouse and hospital at the factory, and was involved in converting Old Believers. Together with Labzin, he planned to build a men»s monastery, but his death in 1869 prevented these intentions. The process of Gryaznov«s canonization began in 1917, and in 1999 the Russian Orthodox Church recognized him as a locally venerated saint.

Pavloposad shawls have long been considered one of the symbols of Russia. They are not just souvenir products — they are actively worn, and large woolen shawls remain a practical element of the wardrobe in the Russian climate.

The exhibition «Legends of Pavlovsky Posad: Shawls and Elder Vasily» will be open at the Museum of Religion History from February 5 (starting at 16:00) to March 17, 2026. Age restriction: 0+.