– When tradition and craft meet, something truly special happens, says Tor Meusburger.
In September, Tor Meusburger, General Manager of Malermester Meusburger – part of Håndverksgruppen – traveled from Norway to Iceland to carry out a very special assignment: tar treatment of the bishop’s seat in Hólar, a historic religious and cultural center in North Iceland founded in 1106.
The project was commissioned by the Bishop of Iceland through the West Norwegian Cultural Academy ("Vestnorsk Kulturakademi"). For the work, kiln-burned tar was used – a special type of tar that in Norway is only applied to medieval buildings and other culturally and historically valuable constructions.
– The kiln-burned tar provides a surface that is both historically authentic and highly protective. We expect the treatment to last between four and eight years, says Tor.
But the trip to Iceland wasn’t just about practical work. It also offered a unique opportunity to pass on traditional craft knowledge and Tor’s deep expertise in tar treatment of historic wooden buildings – a craft that Icelanders have largely lost over time.
Specifically, Tor held a seminar on tar treatment of stave churches, speaking in English while the presentation was translated into Icelandic.
In addition to the seminar, both Icelandic craftspeople and Norwegian scholarship recipients gained hands-on experience with tar boiling and various techniques for heating and application.
– The participants were highly engaged, and the interest in reviving this part of traditional craft was clear, says Tor.
For Tor Meusburger, the assignment stands as a strong example of how experience and tradition can be shared across borders.
With many years of work on stave churches and historic buildings, the company has developed unique expertise in tar treatment.
– It’s a craft that requires patience, knowledge, and respect for tradition – and being able to share this knowledge in a country with such a strong cultural heritage as Iceland is both inspiring and meaningful, concludes Tor Meusburger.
Tor Meusburger