Spirit of the Times. Collection Ane Gyllenberg

To what extent does the spirit of the times influence how we decorate and what kind of art we like? The exhibition Spirit of the Times examines Villa Gyllenberg’s art collection and décor within the context of the ideals of the time and opens a window into four eras: the 1930s, the 1940s, the 1950s and ‘60s, and the present.

The exhibition has been a part of the museum's exhibition program since spring 2022, but it has been renewed based on research findings. In the exhibition that opens in the autumn of 2025 we will highlight Antonio del Castillo y Saavedra’s recently conserved painting Saint Peter Martyr (c. 1650–1655). The origins of the painting, as well as its interesting history, have been confirmed via an international research project. Furthermore, several works by Helene Schjerfbeck, including Lady in Black and Red (ca. 1928) purchased in spring 2024, will be on display.

Between 1919 and 1938, Signe and Ane Gyllenberg lived with their twin daughters in an apartment on Puistokatu in the exclusive Kaivopuisto neighbourhood in Helsinki. It was during this time that Ane Gyllenberg began collecting art and antiques. Ane Gyllenberg’s collecting activities continued after the couple moved to Villa Gyllenberg in 1938 and all the way until they passed away in 1977.

The focus of the art collection shifted from older art to contemporary art from the 1950s onwards, but the new acquisitions no longer suited or fit on the walls of their home. Signe and Ane Gyllenberg wanted to make their collection available to the public, so in 1949, they established a foundation to which they later transferred their art collection. The Villa Gyllenberg home museum and new gallery opened to the public in 1980, and Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation continues to expand the art collection.

Works by among other these artists will be displayed:
Ilmari Aalto, Taisto Ahtola, Antonio del Castillo y Saavedra, Alvar Cawén, Elin Danielson-Gambogi, Magnus Enckell, A. W. Finch, Sigrid af Forselles, Reino Hietanen, Werner Holmberg, Einar Ilmoni, Karl Emanuel Jansson, Kari Juva, Juhani Linnovaara, Tyko Sallinen, Santeri Salokivi, Sigrid Schauman, Helene Schjerfbeck, Elga Sesemann, Venny Soldan-Brofeldt, Reidar Särestöniemi, Ellen Thesleff, Verner Thomé, Torsten Wasastjerna.

Picture: Helene Schjerfbeck, Lady in Black and Red (ca. 1928), Villa Gyllenberg / Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation. Photo: Matias Uusikylä / Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation.