More than 100 years ago, on May 15, 1908, the first International Construction and Art Exhibition in the Russian Empire was opened on the territory of Kamenniy Island. The exhibition was created to familiarize visitors with new materials and technologies in construction. The organizer of the event was the "Society of Civil Engineers." It should be noted that the exhibition was originally supposed to open in 1906, but its holding was hindered by the events of the First Russian Revolution. In 1907, the exposition was also not destined to open its doors, as discord arose within the "Society" itself.

In 1908, the International Construction and Art Exhibition took place in Saint Petersburg. In addition to Russia, specialized firms from Austria, England, Germany, Denmark, the USA, France, and Sweden, which were successfully operating in the domestic market, participated in the showcase; exhibitions of companies from Poland and Finland were highlighted in separate departments. This was one of the largest and most significant exhibitions in terms of its results, summarizing the development of construction technology and the artistic industry in Russia during the 19th century.

The exhibition complex was located on both banks of the Bolshaya Nevka River — in Novaya Derevnya, on a plot of land known as "Livadia," and opposite it — on Kamenniy Island, where "a place was rented, which was under a long-term lease from E. I. Kedrin."

The organizer of the exhibition — the Society of Civil Engineers — and its participants attached special importance to the demonstration of the latest finishing and construction materials.

In total, about 80 pavilions were presented on the exhibition grounds. The event was rightly called international: among its participants were builders from Germany, Sweden, England, France, and other countries. It is estimated that about 95,000 people visited the exhibition over several months. As a result of the event, its participants received 58 gold, 60 silver, and 59 bronze medals.

Today, this historic event is only reminded by a half-ruined reinforced concrete railway canopy, erected by the "Iron-Concrete" partnership. As a result of the exhibition, the organization received a small silver medal "for the good execution of reinforced concrete structures."

Reinforced concrete in construction technology is beginning to win for itself the outstanding place it has long held among independent building materials in the West. The exhibition in this regard was only a true indicator of the urgency for the art of construction. Indeed, the monolithic pavilions of unusual shape made visitors stop and take notice. The St. Petersburg construction bureau of reinforced concrete works exhibited a staircase and platform made of reinforced concrete.

At the International Construction and Art Exhibition, the "Iron-Concrete" Partnership exhibited a reinforced concrete canopy and two reinforced concrete boats. By decision of the Main Expert Council of the exhibition, the "Iron-Concrete" Partnership of engineer Heinrich Girshson and Co. was awarded a Small Silver Medal from the Ministry of Trade and Industry "for the good execution of reinforced concrete structures."

The rectangular canopy has a slight slope towards the central longitudinal axis for water drainage and rests on two posts that widen upwards. It is distinguished by particular lightness, clear readability of the structure, and a convincing demonstration of the aesthetic possibilities of reinforced concrete. The form of this structure is so perfect and adequate to the specifics of the material that even contemporaries considered it unfair that it was awarded only fourth place and a small silver medal.

Of the structures from the International Construction and Art Exhibition of 1908, only the reinforced concrete canopy of the "Iron-Concrete" Partnership, the pavilion of the "Bodo Egestorf" company, built from concrete stones with molded concrete decorations, and two reinforced concrete bridges over the channel to the Small Canal have survived to this day.

This canopy is where von Bork fell asleep in the film "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson," episode "The Twentieth Century Begins."

Who and why decided to film it in this episode remains a mystery. And who held the window frames of the non-existent house in front of the camera is also unknown.

Sources:

https://www.citywalls.ru/house29367.html

https://www.liveinternet.ru/community/petersburg/post94765451/