It is with deep regret that the Chancellery of the Head of the Imperial House of Russia announces the passing on 28 October 2021 of Sergei Ivanovich Kvashnin, President of Volga-Viatka Mint, LLC; Distinguished Artist of the Russian Federation; Member of the Union of Artists of the Russian Federation; Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts; and knight of the Imperial and Royal Orders of St. Vladimir, St. Anna, and St. Stanislav.

Sergei Kvashnin was born on 23 October 1955 in the town of Shakhunya in Nizhnii Novgorod Region (Oblast’). He graduated from a secondary school focused on the arts, then from the Pavlovsk School of Art with a degree in engraving, and finally from the Department of Graphic Arts at the Kostroma State Pedagogical Institute. From 1974 to 2000, he worked in the field of graphic arts and engraving in the city of Kirov at the electric machinery industrial works “Lepse,” and then began to focus on his own creative work, showing himself to be not only as a talented jeweler and medallist, but also a successful businessman and manager.

Sergei Kvashnin was the first in the country to begin producing tools and other instruments essential for delicate work with jewelry and for fine engraving, and for many decades he produced high-quality engraving stamps. One of the main directions of his activity was the development and production of both mass-market and special-order items made in the enamel-guilloche technique, including the insignia for Imperial Orders, State and organizational medals, commemorative medals of various kinds, and Easter eggs, continuing the honoured traditions of Carl Faberge.

Founded in 2016 by Sergei Kvashnin in the city of Viatka (formerly Kirov), the Volga-Viatka Mint became one of the leading centers for designing and engraving medals in the entire country. His business takes orders from the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Defense, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, the Russian Imperial House, the Russian Academy of Arts, and many other institutions and organizations in Russia and abroad. Sergei Kvashnin’s work has been featured in countless museums and forms part of many private collections inside and outside Russia. In 2016, he was elected a Corresponding Member and, in 2018, Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts. In 2019, he was awarded the title “Distinguished Artist of the Russian Federation.” In July 2021, Sergei Kvashnin was awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of the City of Kirov,” and in September 2021, the V. M. and A. M. Vasnetsov Art Museum in Vyatka hosted a jubilee exhibition dedicated to his lifetime of work entitled: “50 Years in the Medallic Arts.” Among the types of medals produced by Kvashnin, one must especially note the commemorative medals produced by him for the Russian Imperial House, including one of his last works—a medal commemorating the wedding of Grand Duke George of Russia and Her Serene Highness Princess Victoria Romanovna on 1 October 2021. A quantity of these magnificent medals was presented to the Imperial Family to be used as commemorative gifts for guests at the wedding, which Sergei Kvashnin himself attended.

The Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, her son and Heir, H.I.H. The Grand Duke George of Russia, and his spouse, H.S.H. Princess Victoria Romanovna, extend their deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sergei Ivanovich Kvashnin.

Last respects for Sergei Ivanovich Kvashnin took place on 1 November 2021 in the city of Viatka, in the Regional Dramatic Theatre, and the Orthodox funeral service was in the Dormition Cathedral of the Dormition-Trifonov Monastery in Viatka. He was buried in the Novo-Makarievsky Cemetery.

May the Lord grant rest to His newly reposed servant Sergei in His Kingdom.