(7.12.1909 – 23.7.1942)

The author of the lines “Men and women, people, not a step back! We shall build a factory for life!” was raised amidst the beauty and strength of the Pirin Mountains. The sea at Varna, where he studied to become a marine engineer, inspired dreams of distant horizons, while his work at the factory in Kocherinovo introduced him to the song of machines.

His father, the revolutionary Yonko Vaptsarov, and his mother, Elena, shaped the two main paths of his destiny – the struggle for a better life for ordinary people “from factories and offices” and literature. Their home welcomed Peyo Yavorov and Elisaveta Bagryana, Tsar Ferdinand and Boris III, members of IMRO, and various intellectuals.

In Vaptsarov’s poetry speaks a citizen of the world – a man who knows history, lives through the hardships of the present, yet firmly believes that “Life will come, more beautiful than a song, more beautiful than a spring day!”

His poetry collection “Motor Songs” transforms harsh reality into poetry about the human being who has turned his faith into bread for the children of tomorrow.

The bust of Vaptsarov was created by artist Vladimir Kirov, who specializes in painting and miniature art. He has received international awards in England, Canada and France, as well as the Grand Prize at the International Biennial of Miniature Arts in Ruse in 2011. He lives and works in the town of Troyan.