Swiss A. F. Devrien founded a publishing house in St. Petersburg in 1872, producing books on agriculture, natural science, and geography with high printing quality. In 1913-1914, the prominent St. Petersburg architect Grimm built a 4-story building.
The facade of the building is decorated with the inscription "Publishing House A. F. Devrien," dates, and two owls (symbols of the "Northern Modern" style). The date on the left bay window, "1872," is linked to the founding of the company, while "1914," on the right, marks the completion of the building. The monogram "AFD" in the wrought-iron gate grille is composed of the initials of the property owner.
On the courtyard side, a six-story book warehouse building adjoins the main building.
You can learn more about the building here: https://reveal.world/story/zdanie-knigoizdatel-stva-a-f-devriena
