Walter Runeberg: Portrait of Henrik C. Borgström, 1888. You may not use this photo for commercial purposes. © Photo: Helsinki Art Museum / Hanna Rikkonen Henrik C. Borgströmin muotokuva / Portrait of Henrik C. Borgström Artist Walter Runeberg Kaupungin puutarha, Taka-Töölö, Helsinki Henrik C. Borgström (1799-1883) was an influential businessman and an important patron of the performing arts, as well as cultural and educational institutions. He was passionate about the building of parks to beautify the city. The Kaivopuisto park and Kaivohuone were realized thanks to his initiative. He also transformed the island of Tullisaari into a park and founded the Eläintarha park in 1851. Borgström, who cherished the Eläintarha park, was posthumously honoured by the portrait, which was unveiled on May 27, 1888. The realistic bust was made by Walter Runeberg (1838-1920), while it’s granite pedestal was designed by Th. Decker and sculpted by the stone cutter F. Alfstrand. The pedestal has the texts “Henrik Borgström, Tölö parks och Trädgårdsföreningens grundläggare” (Henrik Borgström, founder of the Töölö park and of the Trädgårdsföreningen (Garden society)) and “Af tacksamme medborgare 1887” (By grateful citizens 1887). The work of art belongs to the collection of HAM Helsinki Art Museum. Read more.. At map
