Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.07.2016, Blaðsíða 20

Reykjavík Grapevine - 01.07.2016, Blaðsíða 20
The Reykjavík Grapevine Issue 9 — 2016 20 “It was 1965 when I first met my wife,” recalls local sculptor and master gold and silversmith Ófeigur Björnsson, as he begins telling a mysterious story that took place in his household more than 50 years ago. “Just a couple of days after meeting her, I found an old book in my bookcase. My book- case was not very full at this time, and I didn’t recognise this book. I had never seen it before.” Ófeigur was intrigued, and asked if his family knew anything about this odd appearance. “They had never seen it before, either,” he recalls. There was one clue—the book had been signed by its owner, Jón A. Ólafsson. “I didn’t know this name at all,” says Ófeigur. “Some days passed, and then it simply vanished—when I walked by my bookcase one day, it wasn’t there anymore.” Law and lore Years went by. In 1969 Ófeigur got married to his beloved, Hil- dur Bolladóttir. “We established a new home together,” he recalls. “And then, one day, I found the book right there in the bookcase. For some odd reason, it had come back. We hadn’t taken it with us. Who did, I don’t know.” As Ófeigur got to know more about his wife’s family, he was told that this book had been owned and signed by Hildur’s great-grandfa- ther. “And there was no question about it—he had been dead all this time,” he says. “This is the most mysterious thing that has ever happened to me.” The book was published in 1886, and is mostly about legal matters. For example, one chap- ter describes how to apply for a job. Ófeigur hasn’t read it thoroughly, just occasionally browsed its pages. A family affair Ófeigur Björnsson and his wife currently live in downtown Reyk- javík, where they run their family business. Ófeigur makes jewellery with lava and other natural mate- rials, and also creates sculptures. Hildur is a master dressmaker and designer. One of their sons, Bolli Ófeigsson, also works with his father as a master gold and silversmith. The business is well- regarded—on the day I visited, the former President of Iceland, 86-year-old Vigdís Finnbogadót- tir, was in the shop. The book now stands on the bookshelf in Ófeigur’s workroom. “I hold it close to me,” he admits. “Maybe the book is the reason why me and my wife are so creative, and deal with handicraft.” I wonder if there are great se- crets written there, using invisi- ble ink, that the spirit of the owner wants to share with him. “It may be so,” laughs the puzzled Ófeigur. “I just don’t know.” HISTORY The Master Goldsmith And His Mysterious 130-Year-Old Book Words & Photos: GEIDI RAUD Share this article: GPV.IS/130Y Offering fresh Icelandic cuisine in a stylish and casual atmosphere in the heart of down town Reykjavík. isafoldrestaurant . is Þingholtsstræti 5 - tel: 595 8535 RESTAURANT ÍSAFOLD Fresh local food and cozy ambiance in the city center Kitchen open from 11:30 - 22:00 Þingholtsstræti 5 - Tel: 595 8535 - www.isafoldrestaurant.is
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