Syvänniemi Spool Mill, Kuopio

The village of Syvänniemi in Kuopio is integrally linked to the rich history of the Saastamoinen Foundation and the legacy of its founding fathers. It was there that Herman Saastamoinen founded the Oy H. Saastamoinen Limited spool mill in the 1890s, which went on to become the world’s leading manufacturer of wooden spools. A vibrant community complete with school, church and community hall sprang up around the spool mill, which employed hundreds of workers back in the day. The factory was demolished in the late 1960s, but its legacy lives on – now with a brighter-than-ever future.

Saastamoinen Foundation acquired the former mill site in order to to establish a new residency centre on the property and foster the region’s strong local identity through art and science. Plans are under way to construct artist studios and a field laboratory for water research alongside the residency, providing a natural site for exchange of ideas and interdisciplinary encounters.

The foundation is renowned for its long-standing support of freshwater research at the University of Eastern Finland. This ongoing work will be strengthened locally in Syvänniemi. The residency site is flanked by Lake Kuttajärvi and the well-known migratory bird habitat of Lake Keihäsjärvi, presenting unique opportunities for future ecological research and the creative marriage of art, science, and environmental awareness.

The Spool Mill Residency

With support from Saastamoinen Foundation, the historic surroundings of the old spool mill in Syvänniemi, Kuopio, are taking a step into the future. The Foundation has acquired the area surrounding the former factory in Syvänniemi, where it will establish a residency serving as a hub for artists and researchers.

Through this initiative, the Foundation ensures the continuation of activities at this historic site of the Saastamoinen enterprise, revitalizing the environment and connecting it with new international networks. This new partnership not only secures the preservation of a culturally significant site, but also strengthens its role at the intersection of art, science, and cultural heritage. The surrounding tranquil lake landscape and its unique natural environment offer a peaceful setting that fosters both introspection and collaborative inquiry.

The Spool Mill Residency (working title) is a phased project that will create a dynamic environment reflecting the ongoing evolution of art and science. The step-by-step development ensures a thoughtful and optimal approach to creating a space that inspires innovation.

Saastamoinen Foundation aims to open the site in 2027, marking 140 years since the purchase of the Syvänniemi sawmill, or in 2028, to coincide with the Foundation’s 60th anniversary. In 2031, it will be 140 years since the first shipment of thread spools was sent from Syvänniemi to the world.