Atlantica - 01.06.2011, Side 30

28 A t L A n t i c A
Standing proudly at the city center’s most
prominent corner, Laekjargata 2 was built in
1852 as a single-story timber house, Reykjavík’s
first timber house designed by architects. This
was the home of renowned photographer, book
seller and entrepreneur Sigfús Eymundsson who
for many years ran a photography studio there
as well. In the 1870s, the house was enlarged
towards the south and another floor and an attic
was added. Unlike the original version, the new
ground floor is made from concrete but the sec-
ond floor is made from timber. Apart from that,
it has been restored to its best form, using as
many remnants of the old house as possible. In
recent years, it has for example hosted shops, an
art gallery and restaurants. Now it is for example
home to a shop selling quality Icelandic goods
ranging from woolen blankets to fish-leather
purses as well as a jewelry store.
LAEKJARGATA 2
RestoRing gloRya