Three Blacksmiths Statue: A Helsinki Icon

Located in the heart of Helsinki in Kolmensepänaukio, the Three Blacksmiths statue is a prominent and iconic sculpture created by Felix Nylund. Unveiled in 1932, it portrays three nude blacksmiths engaged in their trade, hammering on an anvil. The statue has become a symbol of labor, industry, and the working-class ethos in Finland. The statue was commissioned by the Pro Helsingfors foundation and donated to the City of Helsinki. Nylund had earlier explored the blacksmith theme in 1913 for a J.W. Snellman memorial competition. The figures were modeled after real individuals, including athletes and local workers; one of the blacksmiths bears the face of poet Arvid Mörne, another is a self-portrait of Nylund, and the third is sculptor Aku Nuutinen. The bronze sculpture stands on a red granite pedestal inscribed with the Latin text “MONUMENTUM – PONENDUM – CURAVIT – LEGATUM – J. TALLBERGIANUM – PRO HELSINGFORS A.D. MCMXXXII,” which translates to “The statue was erected with the help of a donation from J. Tallberg by Pro Helsingfors in the year 1932”. The statue has been interpreted to symbolize human labor and cooperation. Despite being damaged during the Continuation War in 1944, it remains a resilient symbol of Helsinki. Today, many Helsinkians consider the statue's location to be the center point of the city.