Conservation and use of old open field meadows

Text and photo: Trygve Martinussen

The Wittgenstein Foundation in Skjolden (SWiS) has as its primary objective the operation of the W-house. In addition to this, we also feel responsible for maintaining the agricultural landscape on the way to the house. We want to prevent another old house, each with its own unique cultural background, from collapsing.

The old barn that the Foundation disposes of in exchange for being responsible for maintenance. In the summer of 2024, it will also be used as a display of images of other quiet artist workplaces around the world, selected from the book monk's cell, in collaboration with the publishers "de bedachtsame" in the Netherlands.

Before removal of extension

After removal of extension

An important goal for us was to restore the barn to its original size. After the dismantling of the extension, the building stands out in its beautiful, original architecture. The vast majority of these numerous typical barns in Luster have collapsed.

Another goal for us was to furnish a space for information and to build a storage room.

We also use the barn as a winter storage place for the Wittgenstein boat.

Well-deserved rest for the volunteer team from eastern Norway after the dismantling of the extension in April 2023. Then "thank you for today" from Vegard Bolstad and Jan Nyberg after hard work with clearing and furnishing work in August 2024.

Peek into the new storage room, a "room within a room" with an ink ceiling.

The result: A good indoor space with rustic materials and cathedral lighting for exhibition and information. Here, photos from the project of moving the house can be shown and guided groups can receive information in advance of the trip up to the W-house. The door to the storage room is salvaged from a barn that was to be demolished in Mørkridsdalen.