Ton K. A., (1794-1881), architect

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TON Konstantin Andreevich (1794 - 1881, St. Petersburg), architect, originator of the Russo-Byzantine style, associate academy member of the Academy of Fine Arts (1830). Upon graduation from the Academy of Fine Arts (1815) worked for the Urban Planning Committee of St. Petersburg. In 1819-28, as a retainer of the Academy of Arts travelled to Italy and France, upon returning worked as an architect at the Academy of Fine Arts, from 1831 was conferred the title of professor, in 1854-71 appointed rector of the Academy of Fine Arts on architecture, in 1861, court architect. In 1830-37, built St. Catherine's Church in the vicinity of the Kalinkin Bridge (not preserved), being the first example of the Russo-Byzantine style, subsequently acquiring official status. From which point he enjoyed the permanent favour of Emperor Nicholas I, who commissioned Ton for the construction of regimental churches in St. Petersburg and its suburbs. Following Ton's projects the Presentation of the Holy Virgin Church of the Semenovsky Life Guards Regiment (1834-42), St. Catherine's Cathedral in Tsarskoe Selo (1835-40), SS. Peter and Paul Church of the Uhlan Life Guards Regiment in Peterhof (1836-39), Holy Transfiguration All Guards Church of the Grenadier Life Guards Regiment (1839-45), Holy Annunciation Church of the Cavalry Life Guards Regiment (1842-49), St. Miron's Church of the Chasseur Life Guards Regiment (1849-55) were erected (almost all of them demolished in the 1930s). Ton's church constructions were distinctive due to their stylistic uniformity, while yet maintaining a variety of compositional techniques, and richness of interior decoration. Ton was also the designer of the pier with Sphinxes on Bolshaya Neva by the Academy of Fine Arts building (1833-34), the silver icon-wall of Kazan Cathedral (1834-38, has not survived), St. Petersburg's railway terminals: Nikolaevsky (presently Moskovsky; memorial plaque) and Tsarskoselsky (presently Vitebsky). Ton was actively involved in architectural activities in Moscow and provincial towns, his sample church architectural drawings were widely used all over in Russia. During his last years Ton lived in the house of his own (now 122-124 Griboedov Canal Embankment). Buried at Volkovskoe Orthodox Cemetery.

Reference: Славина Т. А. Константин Тон. Л., 1989; Лисовский В. Г. Константин Тон // Зодчие Санкт-Петербурга, XIX - начало XX века. СПб., 1998. С. 269-282.

S. V. Boglachev. Nicholas I, Emperor
Ton Konstantin Andreevich
Griboedova Canal Embankment/Saint Petersburg, city, house 122
Griboedova Canal Embankment/Saint Petersburg, city, house 124
Славина Т. А. Константин Тон. Л., 1989
Лисовский В. Г. Константин Тон // Зодчие Санкт-Петербурга, XIX - начало XX века. СПб., 1998 Academy of Arts
Presentation of the Holy Virgin Church
St. Catherine’s Cathedral in Tsarskoe Selo
Kazan Cathedral
Moskovsky Railway Station
Vitebsky Railway Station