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Nukolay LupyninCollector, author of original ideas
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Nikolaj Lupynin: A Collector and Innovative Thinker
- The Collector
- Preserving History through Postcards
- From Bottles to Maps
- The Omul Barrel Project
- A Man of Ideas and Support
Nikolaj Lupynin: A Collector and Innovative Thinker
Nikolaj Lupynin, a resident of the small town of Kultuk on the shores of Lake Baikal, has dedicated his life to his passions and original ideas. Despite his age, Lupynin remains an avid collector and inventor, driven by his unwavering dedication.
The Collector
As a child, Lupynin indulged in the typical hobbies of collecting stamps and badges. However, his affection for penmanship prompted him to preserve outdated fountain pens, laying the foundation for his renowned collection. Today, his collection boasts over 2,000 pens, a portion of which he generously donates to schools. Lupynin's creativity extends beyond pens, as he has crafted intricate displays from them, including a remarkable four-meter model of a ballpoint pen using 963 items from his collection.
Similarly, his collection of lighters originated from his smoking habit, which he has since abandoned. However, the collection continues to grow thanks to gifts from visitors, who are also meticulously recorded in a unique "collection" of their own. Since 1976, Lupynin has listed over 750 individuals who have partaken in his "tea circle."
Preserving History through Postcards
Lupynin's fascination with Soviet-era postcards stems from their historical significance. He categorizes them chronologically, preserving a rich tapestry of events and notable figures. Among his collection are complete sets of Heroes of the Soviet Union, and ongoing series of cosmonauts, musicians, and other renowned individuals.
From Bottles to Maps
Beyond his historical collectibles, Lupynin's ingenuity has led him to create innovative works from discarded objects. In response to the pollution problem plaguing Lake Baikal, he launched a solitary cleanup effort, amassing over 1,000 empty plastic bottles. From these, he constructed a 50-meter map of Lake Baikal and the Angara River using water-filled bottles. His project, documented on video, won the "Do-It-Yourself Director" television project. The prize, a music center, was donated by Lupynin to an orphanage in Chelyabinsk.
The Omul Barrel Project
Inspired by a local legend, Lupynin embarked on an ambitious project to recreate a barrel used by a fugitive convict to cross Lake Baikal. After finding a three-meter barrel, he lined it with Styrofoam and calculated its buoyancy. Unfortunately, his plans were thwarted by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, who cited safety concerns.
Undeterred, Lupynin scaled down his barrel to 1.3 meters and secretly launched it on the anniversary of Victory Day. Despite meticulous safety measures, the lake's unpredictable conditions forced him to cut his journey short. Nonetheless, his determination earned him a third entry in the Irkutsk Book of Records.
A Man of Ideas and Support
Lupynin's unconventional pursuits are met with understanding and support from his family. His wife, a skilled craftswoman, maintains an amiable stance towards his ventures, while his children actively contribute to his collections. Together, they celebrate his unwavering enthusiasm and the remarkable legacy he has created.
