Member Article

James Herriot Exhibition in Moscow

World of James Herriot team to visit and meet Moscow’s Herriot Fans.

Representatives of the World of James Herriot have been invited to the State Darwin Museum Moscow in Russia where an exhibition of James Herriot Memorabilia in honour of Alf Wight (James Herriot) and whose 100th birthday celebration was held in October 2016. The visit to the Russian city is on 15th February where they will meet the museum director Anna Kliukina and Maria Scheglova, Head of the English Club of Fans of James Herriot Moscow.

News of the exhibition reached managing director Ian Ashton via an email from the Director of the State Darwin Museum Anna Kliukina who forwarded photographs of the opening of the exhibition plus a range of other images of the exhibits that have been prepared and displayed at the State Darwin Museum.

“We are extremely honoured that this exhibition has been staged and delighted to have been invited to visit. It’s amazing how many followers we have in Russia and shows just how far and wide James Herriot’s stories have reached around the world,” comments Ian Ashton, managing director of the World of James Herriot.

Alf Wight (James Herriot)’s books and TV series continue to be popular in Russia, so much so that there is an ‘English Club of Fans of James Herriot Moscow’ and some members have visited the World of James Herriot. Alf Wight included the story of his visit to Russia in one his books “The Lord God Made them All” after he visited the country accompanying a boatload of sheep in October 1961.

Ian adds: “The Russian people are so enthusiastic about everything Herriot and we’ve had many Russian visitors coming to visit the area and see the places that Alf Wight based his books on. We never expected such a fabulous exhibition but it is important that we continue to develop this relationship and make the trip to Russia.” MD Ian Ashton and PR manager John Gallery are making the trip to Moscow and have appointments arranged with several members of the Fan Club and officials at the Darwin State Museum.

“The Russians are keeping us guessing about who we shall meet but that is probably their way of doing things. We are making the effort to learn Russian greetings and etiquette before we go and we will be presenting gifts from Herriot Country to our hosts. We are also gearing up for the cold weather and have purchased Herriot branded ‘ushanka’ fur hats to help us cope with the temperature. comments John Gallery.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Gallery .