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| The Sibelius Monument | |||
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 ne of Helsinki's landmarks, the monument to honour national composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was the result of a public fundraising campaign and a two-stage competition in 1961-62. At all stages, the project stirred an unprecedented public debate, as the entire Finnish population seemed to be divided into two camps, the conformists urging for a figurative solution, and the modernists accepting an abstraction as well. Finland's first abstract public monument, Eila Hiltunen's copper fountain outside the Bank of Finland, had been unveiled in 1961.
The main part of the Sibelius Monument consists of approx. 600 acid-proof stainless steel tubes of various diameters, welded together individually and hand-textured by Eila Hiltunen. While several specialists were consulted on metallurgy, structural calculations and welding methods, the physical accomplishment of this structure, which measures 10.5 (length) by 6.5 (depth) by 8.5 (height) metres and weighs 30 tons, is the work of two people, Eila Hiltunen and assistant-metalworker Emil Kukkonen, 21 at the start. 
The work lasted almost four years in Helsinki's Lauttasaari suburb, in a temporary studio erected for a previous high-profile project, the equestrian statue of Marshall C.G.E. Mannerheim. A great shed, it was primitive, dark and ice-cold in winter. Fortunately, the new photo studio of Otso Pietinen, Eila Hiltunen's husband, offered modern amenities next door.
Welding stainless steel is challenging, as it is easily deformed by heat, and special jigs were employed to keep the tubes straight. Eila Hiltunen used the then new MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding technology to texture the surface of the outer pipes. Wearing a 1930s leather jacket and red overalls scattered with holes from welding sparks, she would sit on a tube for hours, with the welding torch in one hand and a water-hose for rapid cooling in the other. This exposed her to toxic metal fumes in spite of protective masks, resulting in chronic bronchial asthma. 
Apart from physical hardship, Eila Hiltunen also endured constant public pressure and animosity during the project. The budget was scant at the outset and did not increase with the additional requirements from the Monument Committee.
The monument is a visual expression of the way Sibelius' music depicts nature. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the City. The prestigious Sibelius Violin Competition held in Helsinki every fifth year is a landmark event in the international world of music and winning it means immediate entry to the fast lane to the top. Sibelius continues to inspire new generations of musicians to interpret his works in new ways. How to reach: Finland's principal airport is Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, located 20 kilometers north of the city. Travel time to the center of Helsinki varies little whether you ride a bus, taxi, or airport minivan. For view city guide of Helsinki:www.worldroom.com | |||
