Nikolai Nikitich Demidov

[1] Nikolai entered the diplomatic service and the young couple moved to Paris, becoming ardent supporters of Napoleon I of France and setting up home in the Hôtel de Brancas-Lauragais, at the corner of Rue Taitbout and Boulevard des Italiens.

He fought with distinction in the Russo-Turkish War (1806–1812) and at the start of the French invasion of Russia he financed the creation of an infantry regiment, including his son Pavel as one of its officers, which he then commanded against Napoleon's forces, fighting at Oravais and Borodino.

[1][2] Returning to Russia in 1806, Demidov, wanting to introduce all the latest improvements in terms of technology at his factories, ordered Professor Ferry, then a famous expert in mining, from France, and put him 15,000 rubles a salary a year, a very significant amount for that time.

Wishing to train experienced craftsmen for his factories, Demidov, at his own expense, sent more than a hundred serfs abroad to England, Sweden and Austria to study special branches of mining.

[1][2] Nikolai Demidov served as chamberlain to the Emperor, a Hereditary Commander of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, and member of the privy council.