Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Libraries, Columbia University

The Corps of Pages was a privileged military school reserved for sons of noblemen and high-ranking officers. It was founded in October 1802 by Alexander I in St. Petersburg. Except by personal appointment of the Emperor or as a son of a Major-General killed in action, admission was only by a difficult competitive examination. Only the sons or grandsons of those in the top three levels of the Table of Rank were eligible to apply. All graduates were assigned to the imperial regiment of their choice. A small percentage of graduates entered the diplomatic or civil services. From its inception until 1917, the Corps graduated 4,505 officers. An additional 200 were unable to complete their education because of the revolution. The school was disbanded on the order of Alexander Kerenskii, War Minister of the Provisional Government, in June 1917.

The exhibition features objects drawn exclusively from the Imperial Corps of Pages collection held by the Bakhmeteff Archive of Russian and East European History and Culture, one of the world's most renowned repositories of Russian materials outside Russia. This exhibition of unique photographs, newsletters, and printed memorabilia, such as programs, menus, tickets and school forms portrays Corps of Pages school life and the life of the Imperial family.

The exhibition coincides with the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg to be celebrated in 2003. It was on view from December 1, 2002 to February 28, 2003.

The Imperial Corps of Pages collection was acquired by Columbia University over a period of more than twenty years (1957-1982). The collection consists of unusual photographs, lists of graduates, paintings, etchings, newsletters, and printed mementos belonging to the Imperial family and the Corps of Pages. The bulk was purchased during 1957-1971 from the Union of Pages, the emigre alumni organization founded in 1920. Almost 400 photographs, chiefly of students and graduates of the Corps of Pages, and school life ephemera, as well as a few photographs of Nicholas II, were donated to the Archive in 1982 by Alexei Mozhaiskii.