Svetozar

Svetozar, The Lightbearer, 1930

After the end of WWI in 1918, Svetozar left for the United States as part of a Russian Educational effort, the Russian-American Friendship union. Once in the US, he decided to devote his time to spreading his philosophies. This photograph from 1930 is marked with his recognizable vertical signature and sperpent shaped "S."

Newspaper Ad, c. 1920s

Around 1919 Fersen began traveling across the US giving lectures.

Who are The Lightbearers, c. 1922

In 1921, Svetozar incorporated his organization, The Lightbearers which he describes as an "International, Educational, Humanitarian, Non-Secretarian, Non-Political, Non-Racial Organization, whose main object is to show people how they can get the most and best out of life."

Lightbearers Insignia, 1923

Svetozar comissioned artist, (Henry) Malcolm Thurburn to create symbolic illustrations to represent The Lightbearers and illuminate his fist book, Science of Being (1923).

1409 Mansion, c. 1957

After traveling around the nation, Svetozar found himself drawn to the natural setting of the Pacific Northwest. In 1939 he purchased a mansion at 1409 E Prospect Street in Seattle's Volunteer Park neighborhood. 1409 became Svetozar's home and headquarters for The Lightbearers.

The Man In The Big House On E. Prospect, 1956

Articles such as this exemplify Svetozar's reputation in Seattle during the 1940/50s and the mystery that surrounded his life story.

Bedroom in 1409, c. 1957

A bedroom in 1409 E. Prospect. Many of the pieces seen here including the French sideboard, painting, chair, lamp, and jade flower arrangements remain as part of Columbia Gorge Museum's permanent collections.

Hands Pointed Towards the Light, c. 1957

This large oil painting by Malcolm Thurburn hung in the basement of 1409 where Svetozar gave his lectures. It illustrates what Svetozar called The Four Square Principle of spirit- Life, Mind, Truth, and Love, and showcases one of his prized posessions- his King Fire Opal ring (1989:35.50).

Svetozar's Desk, c. 1957

Items found on Svetozar's desk include gold ink and letter opener, and his serpent fountain pen holder- currently on view in SVETOZAR.

The Man Who Might Have Been King - Seattle Times, 1956

Many rumors surround Fersen's lineage, this article highlights some of them and describes how the luxurious estate of the Medem-Fersens made its way to the PNW.

Columbia River Gorge, 1940

Svetozar found himself fascinated with the Columbia River Gorge and by 1940 had acquired over 2000 acres of land surrounding Archer Mountain in Skamania County. Stating that he belived the gorge to be a "spiritual vortex," he chose it as the location for what he dreamed to be The Lightbearers College. This dream never came to fruition.