Sølje in the Commons
This rosesølje piece, a gift to Vesterheim from the Norwegian silver company Sylvsmidja, hangs in the lobby of Vesterheim Commons. The rosesølje or rose style is the oldest known style of Norwegian brooch. The style has been used all over Norway, which makes it perfect to share as a presentation piece. At 15.5″ in diameter and made from about 4.6 kg of recycled silver, it is currently the largest sølje in the world.
Vesterheim is grateful to our friends at Sylvsmidja for this lovely gift!
Be sure to stop by the Commons to see it – it’s so impressive.
Sylvsmidja is Norway’s largest producer of bunad (Norwegian traditional dress) silver, crafting exquisite jewelry and accessories since 1940. The company symbol, an ancient drinking horn, is a unique registered hallmark that is stamped on all products and has been with founders master goldsmith Leif Johannessen and his wife Betzy since they established the workshop in Voss.
Their pieces are available in the United States exclusively at Vesterheim Museum Store. Find a selection here.
Vesterheim Commons is open daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with no admission charge. Stop by to see this stunning new facility. There is often a special exhibit open in the second floor gallery.
With 7,600 square feet spread across three levels and almost an acre of surrounding landscaped patio, the new Vesterheim Commons building physically links the past and the future, connects the museum collection to the Folk Art School, and enriches the Vesterheim visitor experience for those coming to Decorah or participating digitally through a new video and photography production studio. This project is part of a comprehensive, long-range planning process with Snøhetta, the renowned international architecture and landscape architecture firm, and is supported by work of the architect of record, consultants, and construction management including BNIM; Meyer, Borgman, Johnson (MBJ); Morrissey; and McGough Construction.
