Björksta 1954

For this magnificent and historic rural church just north of Stockholm, with its vaulted aisle covered in wall paintings from the 15th century, Folke made his modern, abstract design using softer colours, mostly lighter blues and clear glass.

The theme chosen was Jacob’s Ladder, the only clue to this can be seen at the top with the barely discernible letters ‘LYSE’ meaning ‘light’, and the light certainly floods in!

Folke, with his delicate and sensitive choice of glass, allows the natural light onto the fabulous old wall paintings.

The striking, contemporary design of his windows seems to lift the beauty of the ancient paintings, the church itself and also his own new work, a truly remarkable artistic achievement.

Historic church interior with vaulted, frescoed ceilings, chandeliers, wooden pews, an ornate pulpit, and tall stained-glass windows behind the altar.

Tall, narrow stained-glass windows filled with abstract geometric shapes in white, black, and touches of blue and purple, glowing with daylight. — The altar windows, 1954.

Close-up of abstract stained-glass window with angular black lead lines framing white, blue, and purple glass shapes glowing in sunlight.

Abstract stained-glass panel with bold black lines forming geometric shapes around softly glowing white, blue, and purple glass sections.

Historic brick and stone church with a tall square tower, black spire, arched windows, and surrounding graveyard under an overcast sky.

Gothic church interior with painted vaulted ceiling, faded wall murals, tall stained-glass window behind a simple altar and cross.

Three tall narrow stained-glass panels with abstract shapes in pale yellow, blue, and violet light glowing against a dark church interior.

Churches

Björksta 1954

The altar windows, 1954.