Paasilinna collection

The Paasilinna Collection aims to acquire the entire production of the brothers: books and their translations, as well as other recordings, such as audiobooks, videotapes, and DVDs. Of the brothers’ literary production, a little over half has been obtained through donations from the authors and publishers. The rest of the material has been acquired by the library itself, and the collection is constantly being updated.

The materials in the Paasilinna Collection are intended for research use only. Works belonging to the Paasilinna Collection can be found in the library’s database by selecting ’Paasilinna Collection’ as the collection limit.

The Paasilinna writer brothers

Four brothers from the Paasilinna family have distinguished themselves as writers: Erno, Reino, Arto, and Mauri. Each has their own distinct style, but there are shared interests. The brothers are influenced by a similar value system. Common traits include an affection for nature, Lapland, and the northern wilderness. Stubborn bureaucracy and unfounded authority are called out in their own way by each brother. Each has a desire to defend the ordinary little person and their basic rights.

More information about the Paasilinna family and clan can be found, among other sources, on the website of Kauko Kuusela, chairman of the Paasilinna working group.

Paasilinna showcase

The Paasilinna display case was designed and executed by Jideart Oy’s CEO Markku Jurmu. In collaboration with architect-interior designer Päivi Mikola, he has achieved great success in both national and international furniture design competitions. Among their works, the Seitakivi glass display case was awarded in the Mööpeli 92- competition, and the Kalani hammock won a silver medal in the international Japanese wooden furniture competition in 1993.

Paasilinna Medal and Paasilinna Relief

Also on display in the showcase are the Paasilinna medal and the Paasilinna relief, designed by sculptor Paavo Halonen.

The front of the Paasilinna medal depicts the sculptural part of the Paasilinna Monument located in front of the library, where three large stones are bound with stones brought from Petsamo and Kuikero in Varejoki. Elements on the reverse side of the medal include the mountains and fjord of Petsamo, the Aunus fishing boat that took the family to safety, Varejoki, and the famous remote spruce forest of Kuikero. The bronze Paasilinna medal has a diameter of 65 mm and weighs 140 g. The medal was cast by Ilkka Haapala.

The two-part Paasilinna relief is an enlargement of both sides of the medal. The bronze-cast relief measures 2 x 29.5 cm and has a total weight of 12 kg. The relief is mounted on a patinated wooden base.