ESPOO.- This summer, EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art opened the doors to the home and studio Bj鰎n Weckstr鰉 for the first time. On six Fridays and Saturdays between 31 July and 5 September, the museum offers a rare opportunity to encounter the lifes work of one of Finlands most celebrated designers and sculptors in his home, Villa Weckstr鰉.
Located in Soukka, on the shores of the Espoo archipelago, Villa Weckstr鰉 is a total work of art that will soon welcome visitors. The villa has served as the home and studio of Bj鰎n Weckstr鰉 (b. 1935) since 1997. Over the decades, his jewellery, large-scale bronze sculptures, glass art, furniture and paintings have become an integral part of both everyday life within the house and its surrounding seascape.
Weckstr鰉 is widely regarded as a pioneer of modern jewellery art, bringing Finnish jewellery design into international recognition. Villa Weckstr鰉 presents works spanning his extensive career from the 1950s to the 2020s. A visit to the atelier-home offers insight into his experimental approach to materials, forms and different techniques, as well as the central themes that have inspired his work from mythology and ancient history to reflections on the future of humankind.
I have long wanted to open my home to the public. EMMA felt like a natural partner, as we share an interest in the dialogue between art and design. I was delighted that the museum responded so enthusiastically to my proposal, says Bj鰎n Weckstr鰉.
The opening of Villa Weckstr鰉 forms part of EMMAs 20th anniversary programme. For the first time, the museums activities will extend beyond its Tapiola location and Espoos public art to include an artists home. Visits will be guided by EMMAs guides in Finnish, Swedish and English. On visiting days, an outdoor summer caf will be open in the courtyard. At all other times, Villa Weckstr鰉 remains a private residence and is not open to the public.