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The Demidov family (Russian: Деми́довы), also known as Demidoff or Dimidov, is a prominent Russian nobility that rose to immense wealth and influence during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Demidovs became a wealthy industrial family alongside the Stroganov family. Their legacy is closely tied to the industrialisation of Russia, significant contributions to the arts and sciences. The Prince Lopukhin-Demidov lineage resides in Finland.
Under Nikita and his son Akinfiy Demidov (1678–1745), the family expanded their holdings to include gold, silver, and copper mines, particularly in the Ural Mountains. By the end of the 18th century, the Demidovs controlled vast estates and enterprises, producing about 40% of Russia’s cast iron output. Their industrial empire played a crucial role in Russia’s military and economic development.
The Demidovs introduced advanced metallurgical techniques, such as blast furnaces and hydro-powered machinery, enhancing productivity. They also pioneered vertical integration, controlling mines, forests, and transportation networks to streamline production. Their factories supplied materials for international projects. Огарков В. В. Демидовы, основатели горного дела в России. — СПб., 1891. Огарков В. В. Демидовы. Основатели горного дела в России. Их жизнь и деятельность: биографический очерк. — 2-е изд. — М.: URSS; ЛЕНАНД, 2015. — 96 с. — (Биографии выдающихся личностей: БВЛ)
Pavel Nikolaievich Demidov died in 1840 leaving a substantial heritage to his spouse Aurora Karamzin (nee Stjernvall, later Karamzin) who became a famous benefactor and philanthropist in the Grand Duchy of Finland. Later, she married colonel Andrei Karamzin, the son of historian Nikolay Karamzin, who fell in the Crimean War. Many places are named after Aurora Karamzin in Finland because she supported schools, the first Deaconess Institution in Finland, orphanages, and other purposes in Finland. Through Aurora Karamzin the legacy of Demidovs lives in Finnish history and heritage.
The second and last Prince Lopukhin, Pavel Petrovich Lopukhin (1788–1873), son of Pyotr Lopukhin, was granted the right in 1873 to pass his title and name to his great-nephew, General Nikolai Petrovich Demidov (1836–1910), who became the 1st Prince Lopukhin-Demidov. A representative of another branch of this industrialist clan, Nikolai was succeeded by his son, Colonel Aleksander Nikolayevich Demidov (1870–1937), the 2nd Prince Lopukhin-Demidov. After the Russian Revolution, Aleksander relocated to Finland, purchasing Anttolanhovi Manor in Anttola near Mikkeli in 1917, where he resided briefly until exhausting his inheritance. His wife, Princess Natalia Dmitrievna Naryshkina (1886–1957), died in Mikkeli in 1957.
Their son, Nikolai Alexandrovich Demidov, 3rd Prince Lopukhin-Demidov (1904–1995), resided in New Hampshire, USA. His brother, Aleksander Aleksandrovich Demidoff (1905–1982), was born and lived in Finland.
Aleksander’s son, Yrjö Onni Johannes Demidov, 4th Prince Lopukhin-Demidov (1936–2018), fathered Nikolai Alexander Paul Demidov, the 5th Prince Lopukhin-Demidov (born 1976).
A lineage descending from Aleksander Nikolayevich Demidov (1870–1937), the 2nd Prince Lopukhin-Demidov, changed its surname to Tammipuu (which means "oak tree" in Finnish).
The Demidov family residing in Finland has not been introduced to the House of Nobility because the Finnish nobility ceased introducing new families after the collapse of the Russian Empire (under which Finland existed as a Grand Duchy until 1917). This closure was compounded by the failed establishment of the Kingdom of Finland in 1918, when German Empire’s defeat in World War I prevented Prince Friedrich Karl of Hesse from assuming the throne. Finland subsequently became a republic in 1919.
The International Demidov Foundation was established in Russia in 1992. The foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the Demidov family, including their cultural, industrial, and philanthropic heritage. It supports the study and popularisation of the Demidov heritage and participates in the preservation and restoration of historical monuments associated with the family.
In 1811, a Ukase was enacted which brought this institution to an end. However, by personal grant of the Emperor, the title of "Hereditary Commander" was held by some descendants who qualified.
In 1928, a group of descendants of the original Family Commanders formed an Association. By 1958, the group was chaired by Grand Duke Vladimir (claimant to the Russian Throne). This group regulated the claims of the descendants. On 14 April 1958, under his signature of Grand Duke Vladimir decided in favour of Paul Demidoff; " de faire droit à Votre requête et de confirmer Votre titre de Commandeur Héréditaire de l'Union des Descendants des Commandeurs Héréditaires et Chevaliers du Grand Prieuré Russe de l'Ordre de St. Jean de Jérusalem en tant que descendant direct de Demidoff Nicolas fils de Nicétas qui, par grâce de Mon trisaïeul, S.M. l'Empereur Paul I-r Grand Maître de l'Ordre de St. Jean de Jérusalem avait été élevé le 2I Juillet 1799" - in translation; " to grant Your request and to confirm Your title of Hereditary Commander of the Union of the Descendants of the Hereditary Commanders and Knights of the Russian Grand Priory about St John of Jerusalem as a direct descendant of Demidoff Nicholas son of Nicétas which, by grace of My great-great-grandfather, H.M. the Emperor Paul I Grand Master of the Order of St John of Jerusalem had been elevated 21 July 1799".
Alexandre Tissot Demidoff (of Berkshire, England) chairs an association dedicated to continuing the humanitarian tradition of the Russian Grand Priory, of which Alexander Demidoff (of Paris, and son of Paul Demidoff mentioned above) is a member.
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