Sankt Olavs Plass Analysis_Urban Preservation_Spring2020

CUPIDO CHAIR
1800
1850
«It’s Cupido, who better than me to tell you
the story of this fountain...
What you are used to see every day taking centre stage of the square is
the «Lysfontene» (traduced «light fountain»). This 17 metre tall sparkling
sculpture was designed by Sven Påhlsson. It was inaugurated in 2009 by
Princess Märtha Louise, one year after the rehabilitation’s project of Sankt
Olavs Plass led by ACK Arkitekter. As you’ll notice the renovation consists
of a new pavement of light granite defining the historical extent of the
square (a pentagon) and the black central ring, marking the ghost of the
fountain that stood here 150 years ago. But let’s go back to the past and
let me tell you more about it...
1868
The original fountain was set up in 1868 at the same time as the fountain
at Youngstorget and Grev Wedels Plass. It had a circular basin of polished
stone and a cupid sculpture (that’s me!) probably cast in France, which
was leading Europe and Scandinavia in iron-casting at the time. During
the following years some vandalism episodes happened and my arm was
ripped of twice, but deep down people loved me, I know it for sure!
1950
1900
1950
1956
1957
The head of the Oslo Council explained in 1950 that they had repaired the
fountain and altered it. Sadly, I was taken down by the Water and Sewer
Department later in the 50’s and stored in a warehouse. Thus I was replaced
by a jet of water which shot up in the air! Which was less popular,
of course.
From 1956, the press reports that the numerous departments in the
Council wanted the full fountain removed. Indeed, the Road and City
Head wanted to close Munchs Gate, the police were concerned the
fountain would draw children over a busy road and the Council architect
found it too damaged to be repaired.
When the Council leader agreed a new regulation plan for Sankt
OlavsPlass with traffic lights the fountain’s fate was sealed by a plan to
move it to the south side of the square, which in
the end did nothappen. The fountain was finally
remove in 1957 as St Olavs Plass was slowly
dismantled to the benefit of automobiles.
The trees which ringed the square were removed;
some in the gloom and dark of the
night to the approbation of resident
Carl von Hanno and architect Arno
Berg. The others were uprooted later
until only the two in front of Apoteket
(No. 2) remained.
2020
2000
2009