As capital of the Russian empire from the early eighteenth century until the fall of the Romanov dynasty in 1917, St Petersburg has often been seen as Russia's “window onto Europe”.  From its foundation as an isolated military settlement, St Petersburg grew rapidly to become a major Euorpean capital under Catherine the Great.  Paul Keenan will examine the city's development as a suitable seat for the Russian imperial court. The court played a leading role in fostering the various cultural exchanges that were introduced in Russia during the eighteenth century.  In exploring the ceremonial and social life of St Petersburg during this period, the foundation for the glittering courts of the later Romanov rulers, his talk will highlight another important aspect of the relationship between Russia and Europe.

Tickets for this talk at £7 (£5 for GB Russia members) are only available by email to: membership@gbrussia.org

Paul Keenan's recent book, St Petersburg and the Russian Court, 1703–1761, will be available for purchase and signing on the eventing of his talk.

Paul Keenan is a lecturer in the Department of International History at the London School of Economics, where he has taught since 2004.  His research examines the social and cultural development of Russia during the eighteenth century, with particular focus on the activities of the Russian court.