The Master of Wood Carving’s Dream

Vilho Halmekari had a dream of a house, ‘Loven Bohatus’ or ‘Richness of Wood Carving’ that would celebrate Finnish wood as an art material. As a result of over 30 years of work, he created a wide variety of carved furniture and decoration materials that would be enough to provide consistent interiors for a sizeable house. However, the “Master of Wood Carving” did not see his vision come true in his lifetime and to date, this house is to yet be built.

Wide and varied production

The unique geometric patterns and ornaments have all been carved on wooden panels by hand with a short-bladed carving knife. The pieces of furniture and interior materials are made of birch while the materials for the outside decorations are made of pine. The production includes ornamented doors and window frames as well as carved ceilings and wall panels of over 700mm2; the selection of furniture comprises sofa groups, dining tables, closets, chairs, mirror frames and other smaller furniture.

To bring the dream alive

At the moment this wooden treasure is stored in Central Finland and Vilho Halmekari’s family is looking for parties interested in co-operation to make the works available to the public. The contact for enquiries in English is Antti Gronlund (in Finnish Hans Pieski) who will also provide further information on the matter both via email and by telephone.