Harplinge Windmill
History of Harplinge Windmill
Harplinge Windmill, an important landmark in the small village of Harplinge on the Swedish west coast, is a ”smock” mill—a design where the top floor can rotate 360 degrees to catch the wind. This technique emerged at the end of the 19th century, and Harplinge Windmill, built in 1895 by Gustaf von Segebaden near the railway, represents one of the most technically advanced models of its time. Over the years, it changed hands several times until 1930.
In 1932, Arnoff Persson became the new owner and made significant renovations, modernizing the machinery by replacing wind power with electricity. He removed the great spur wheel and other components, installing a seed cleanser near the mill. When Arnoff Persson died in 1954, the windmill was renovated and fully functional.
That same year, Bertil Svensson rented the windmill and moved in, later purchasing it in 1960. With financial support from the Harplinge council, he modernized the machinery again and renovated the mill for cultural purposes. The renovation, carried out by Harry Johansson from Jonstorp, included rebuilding the balcony with pressure-treated wood, reinforcing the fantail bridge with iron, and polishing and repainting the rust-damaged sails. However, in 1967, production stopped due to a flour allergy suffered by Bertil’s wife, Ulla, and much of the machinery was sold.
By the early 1990s, the windmill was in poor condition and faced demolition. A restoration project, known as ”Hallandsmodellen,” was launched as a regional collaboration between Länsarbetsnämnden, Länsstyrelsen, and Hallands länsmuseer. Using traditional materials and methods, the team restored the windmill to its original appearance and function, replacing missing machinery parts and installing new wooden sails to replace the iron ones, likely added in the 1930s, which had deteriorated.
Harp Art Lab’s Journey (Since 2010)
In January 2010, artists Mikael Ericsson and Julie Ericsson purchased Harplinge Windmill to preserve the building and establish a laboratory for contemporary art. An initial inspection revealed the windmill was in good condition, but maintenance was needed to prevent it from deteriorating as it had in the 1990s. Over the past 15 years, Harp Art Lab has transformed the windmill into a vibrant hub for sound art, hosting international festivals like BZZZ and innovative installations such as Millophonia (also known as Kvarnofonen), blending the windmill’s historical legacy with modern creativity.
Renovations and Reflections
Since taking ownership, Harp Art Lab has undertaken several renovations to maintain Harplinge Windmill as both a historical site and a functional art space. The first repair in 2010 addressed the 360-degree rotating floor, essential for allowing the sails to adjust to the wind direction. In the summer of 2012, in collaboration with Länsstyrelsen Halland and Kulturmiljö Halland, a major renovation of the sails began, cleaning them of moss and fungus while treating them with Roslagsmahogny, a traditional boat varnish, for protection.
In 2017, the wind-catching wheel at the top, which rotates the cap to face the wind, was repaired. During the summers of 2023 and 2024, the sail balcony was treated with Roslagsmahogny, while plans began for a major repair of the windmill’s cap, sides, and part of the balcony, a significant project requiring external support. These efforts reflect our commitment to preserving this beloved landmark while adapting it for artistic innovation.
Contact
070 7304631
info@harpartlab.se
Harp Art Lab, Harplinge Windmill
Kvarnliden 8, S-305 60 Harplinge
Sweden