site.btaSon of Sculptor Velichko Minekov Donates Father’s First Sculpture to Hometown, It Names Street in His Honour

Prof. Velislav Minekov, son of renowned sculptor Velichko Minekov (1928-2022), has donated his father’s first sculpture, along with all his personal archives, medals, and awards, to the Stanislav Dospevski Gallery in the southern town of Pazardzhik, the Town Hall said Friday.

Born on October 13, 1928, in the nearby village of Malo Konare, Velichko Minekov is regarded as one of the fathers of Bulgarian monumental sculpture. He is the author of numerous monumental works across Bulgaria and abroad, creating compositions that have left a lasting imprint on the nation's artistic identity. He was awarded numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named an honorary citizen of Pazardzhik in 1979. 

At the regular meeting of the Pazardzhik Municipal Council, it was decided that a street in the city will be named after the sculptor. The street passes through one of the most artistically rich areas of Pazardzhik, starting from the Old Post Office (Clock Tower) via the town square, the Stanislav Dospevski Art Gallery, the Regional Historical Museum, and reaching the monumental sculpture The Lion in front of the State Archives.

This choice of a street is no accident: the area houses the largest open-air exhibition of Prof. Velichko Minekov’s works in Bulgaria, featuring a total of 21 sculptures. Of these, 19 have been donated to the Stanislav Dospevski Gallery and two others are owned by the Pazardzhik Town Hall.