The man who saved the KTH Bell Tower
A selection of stories of KTH donations and foundations
Have you seen the bronze figures and the bell in the KTH bell tower? They were manufactured through a donation by professor Wollmar Fellenius. At the inauguration of the KTH Campus buildings in October 1917, the figures were just a basic plaster sculpture due to lack of resources.
Ten years later, as the KTH 100 year jubilee was approaching, Professor Fellenius decided to act. As part of his own 50 year birthday celebrations in September 1926, he donated 10 000 SEK to the university to cover the costs of a new cast in bronze.
The Fellenius foundation and the Foundation for Vattenbyggnadslaboratoriets fond were also his initiatives during his time as professor at KTH.
Who was Wollmar Fellenius? He graduated at KTH in 1898 as a civil engineer (water and aquaculture). He held positions in Härnosand and Göteborg before returning to KTH as a professor in water and aquaculture in the years 1911-1942. He had many assignments and engagements in associations e.g Sveriges teknologförening, Statens Järnvägars geotekniska kommission and he was frequently asked to consult on reports and surveys regarding harbours.
Why did he start his foundation? In the statutes from 1917, professor Fellenius writes that he was thankful for the scholarship he once received that gave him the opportunity to study and that he wanted to show his appreciation when he later in hade the means to help others.
What other ways can you support KTH? Vill du bilda stiftelse eller på annat sätt stödja KTH?
Are you curious about the bell tower? Book a guided tour: kth-guidning@kth.se