In a ground-breaking initiative for the preservation of cultural heritage, the City Hall of Stockholm has embarked on a digital reconstruction project to breathe new life into the faded masterpieces that adorn its walls. Tasked with reviving Axel Wallert’s 105 ceiling paintings, the City of Stockholm worked with Mikael Cronwall, Head of Education at the Stockholm School of Photography, to undertake a project unlike any other in Sweden.
The challenge: Faded beauty after a century
Many of Wallert’s images had lost their brilliance after a century of exposure to air pollution and natural wear and tear. Only a handful remained clear, requiring an unprecedented cultural conservation effort to be undertaken.
Forty students and four teachers from the Fotoskolan STHLM worked tirelessly for more than three weeks, using the Fujifilm GFX100 and Fujinon GF lenses to capture the high-resolution raw data. The large image sensor and the electronic management of the image information were essential in order to meet the stringent requirements of the project. The choice of Fujifilm equipment not only met the technical requirements but also facilitated the process of photographing the large and heavy original panels, which measure 150 x 150 cm and are made from untreated pine boards.
Each panel was meticulously photographed using a custom photography rig built by skilled carpenters. Test shots with a variety of lenses led to the selection of the Fujifilm GF 120/4 R LM OIS WR Macro lens for its high resolution and exceptional sharpness. The result was flawless, following the old photographic rule of stopping down 2.5 stops for maximum edge sharpness.
Digital reconstruction and printing
The team processed the digital files in Capture One after shooting the raw files with the GFX100 and Profoto flashes. The finalised digital files were then printed onto fabric by Big Image Systems in Stockholm, Sweden. The culmination of this elaborate process was the on-site assembly of the reconstructions at Stockholm City Hall.
The City of Stockholm now stores digital image files for long-term preservation. This ensures that the reconstructions can be reproduced whenever needed. A testament to the seamless integration of art, technology, and cultural heritage, this Fujifilm-supported initiative is now in place.
This ambitious project has been achieved through the joint efforts of the City of Stockholm, the Stockholm School of Photography, and Fujifilm. Together, they have preserved the historical richness of the Stockholm City Hall and made it possible for future generations to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the building as it was a century ago.