Nikolay Vladov-Smirgela (1911 – 1999). Born on 09/04/1911 in Shumen – died on 07/28/1999. Sculptor, artist, illustrator, caricaturist, critic and theater actor. He studied law at Sofia University and at the same time at the Academy of Arts (5 semesters in the Decorative Art specialty). He was a member of the Society of New Artists (1931), its secretary for 8 years. Director of the National Art Gallery, creator of the permanent exhibition of icons in the crypt of the St. Alexander Nevsky”. The sculpture studio of the artist, in which he worked for the last 30 years of his life, is known among the artistic and creative intelligentsia for its special artistic atmosphere and spirit
