Tøyenbekken 12

For those familiar with Grønland in Oslo, Tøyenbekken 12 (once Bækkegaden 12) is something of a landmark. I’ve walked past Tøyenbekken on my way to work for four years, gradually falling in love with it. It’s a building that feels like a window into the past. Ugly and beautiful all at once.

Thon has long fancied tearing down the timber house, but in 2018 the city council said a firm “no.” Today it stands protected—meaning it largely stands and quietly decays.

Historical Context

The Timber House (circa 1830)

 The property began life as a sort of rural “cottage” for city folk—a charming little retreat for a man named Claus Friedrichsen back in 1742. The house itself, however, wasn’t built until sometime between 1828 and 1844, and it’s now approaching its bicentenary.

The ground floor is constructed of solid, old-fashioned timber. The second floor came later, with what they quaintly call “infilled half-timbering”…whatever that really means. The house was originally intended as a residence, but from 1915 it became a clog factory. Yes, you could live above a workshop making wooden shoes.

The Lumber Hall

In 1936, the timber company K. Kværner arrived with grand plans: a hall and a seven-storey office block. The hall was built in 1939, but the office building never materialized—leaving the Timber House as the expedition office. The second floor had a brief second life as a residence.

K. Kværner remained until 1978, after which the property changed hands. In the 1980s, it briefly hosted a hardware store—a rather practical detour from the arts—before becoming home to Gallery 1857, a true highlight. Today, the building stands empty once more, quietly waiting for its next incarnation.

According to Aftenposten, the first phase of the revival will involve upgrading and opening the Lumber Hall. “The idea now is some form of dining or other exciting offerings,” they report.

About the print

• Motif: The image is composed using pastels and thousands of tiny ink dots, created through the slow and meticulous technique of stippling.
• Printing technique: Once digitised, each work is produced as a giclée print – a fine art process renowned for its precision, rich detail and archival quality.
• Edition: Each print is signed by the artist and issued in a hand-numbered limited edition of 150. Each print also includes a signed certificate of authenticity.
• Paper: Printed on thick, subtly textured Hahnemühle paper made from 100% cotton, valued for its durability and quality.
• Size: The prints come in two sizes A3+ and A2
• Care Instructions: For longevity, display away from direct sunlight and high humidity.

Shipping

In Norway, shipping is always free. Your order is sent via tracked post and usually arrives within 3–5 business days, unless «Posten» has other ideas.

For international orders, shipping is a flat 200NOK (close to €20), wherever you are, and your package typically takes 7–14 business days, depending on how friendly customs is feeling.

Important information for International orders

Orders shipped outside Norway may be subject to import VAT, customs duties, and handling fees. I’d love to skip that bit for you, but your local authorities might have other plans.