social events at the xxxi congress
17 June 2010
On Thursday 17 June, a city tour of Tampere by bus made the participants discover the city of Tampere and its surroundings. This was followed by the visit of a medal exhibition on Finnish writers at the Main Library Metso. In the evening, a reception at the Tampere City Hall was held by courtesy of the City of Tampere. The Mayor of the city welcomed everyone. The President of FIDEM presented the Mayor with the official congress medal.
During the evening, the President of the Chiquita Order, Mr James MaloneBeach, dubbed a new knight to the order. He was assisted by the first knight to this order, "Sir" Ron Dutton, who was dubbed a couple of years ago during a BAMS congress. The new knight is "Sir" Philip Attwood, Keeper of the Coins and Medal Department of the British Museum.
18 June 2010
On Friday 18 June an excursion by bus took the participants to Purnu. The Finnish sculptor Aimo Tukiainen (1917-1996) is considered to be one of Finland's most important sculptors. He has a diverse production of monumental works, portraits and medals. They were able to visit his atelier, foundry and workshop.
Later that evening a boat trip to the island of Viikinsaari was organized. In a wonderful wooden pavilion a delicious buffet stood ready for everyone to enjoy. The talks around the tables were mainly about medals, art and sometimes football.
19 june 2010
A banquet in Vapriikki, which is a museum centre, ended the congress. The museum centre is housed in what used to be the engineering works of Tampella Ltd. This company which had a wide range of production including locomotives, turbines and damask cloths of linen started its business in the late 19th century. The textile production ended in the 1970s, and industrial use of the last buildings by the rapids ceased in the 1990s. The ex-factory was now used for the big banquet were the participants of the XXXI congress could enjoy good food, music and exchange the last ideas, thoughts and impressions.
During the banquet, the FIDEM at 70 medal was awarded to three persons for their outstanding work for the art of the medal: Mr Tapio Suominen for his work of organizing the congress, Mr Bogomil Nikolov for his work with students and young artists to promote the art of the medal in Bulgaria and Mr João Duarte for his work with the FIDEM archives as well as his work with students and young artists to promote the art of the medal in in Lisbon.
The FIDEM Grand Prix winner was also revealed during this diner by one member of the jury, Ron Dutton. It was instituted to promote and reward the best medal in the exhibition. How to choose which one is the best?
The jury (Ron Dutton, Tapio Suominen and Marie-Astrid Pelsdonk) did not have an easy task. After four deliberations and following a certain number of criterias, the jury decided unanimously that the prize should be awarded to the Dutch medal artist Elly Baltus. She was not present at the time but received the Grand Prix from Ilkka Voionmaa a week later in Helsinki. (Go to Grand Prix for more information)
Text: Marie-Astrid Pelsdonk
Photo: Jan Pelsdonk
Photo from Purnu: Christian Wirsén
More information about the XXXI CONGESS
More information about the congress EXHIBITION
More information about the congress LECTURES
More information about the congress MEDAL FAIR
More information about the congress GENERAL ASSEMBLY
