The Belle Epoque in provinces: modernization processes in a Russian city of the 19th-20th centuries

The paper looks at the possibility to apply the notion of the Belle Epoque to the urban culture in Russia at the turn of the 20th century. An extensive field of modernity research contains the studies of cultural modernity brought into this world by extensive industrialization, rapid expansion of the cities, growing dominance of the middle class, inventions changing the texture of everyday life, bourgeoisie taste in goods, possibilities of new media. The statement is illustrated with the materials of the provincial Perm, the culture of the middle urban strata attracted special attention. At the turn of the 20th century Perm saw electric light, a water supply system, new means of connection and transport. Infrastructure progress and social city development, the Art Nouveau style expansion and consumer culture, new leisure activities are described in the context of the Belle Epoque. The middle class became stronger, which can be proved by its demand in delicate and beautiful things, different and modern types of recreational activities. Modern style expansion in urban daily life could be observed in varied architecture, in the construction of stations, exchange houses, educational institutions, hospitals, churches. Modern fashion was widely applied in individual households of quite different population strata. Free time became a symbolic capital of citizens which they could spend on getting more acquainted with the new entertainment culture. The industry of mass entertainments - cinematography, circuses, small form theaters, entertaining gardens - was still popular in the province. Photography, bicycle, yacht clubs became modern ways to organize one's free time, more and more people became enthusiastic about football, athletics. Perm demonstrated aviation flights, the streets of the city were full with automobiles. The means of "technical reproduction" - media, advertisement, photography, postal cards, cinema - served to be the translators of the Bell Epoque values in the capital and provincial cities. Technical innovations and modern interests were not available to all citizens of the provincial capital. Industrial urbanization, modern culture were in conflict with traditionalism, multistructurality, way of life and thinking in the city suburbs. Along with that, the province had very high standards of consumption, the private leisure space was also extended together with public practices of rest and entertainment.

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