Object of the month: Swimwear
Swimwear
This summer we are highlighting a collection of swimwear from the 1960s. The swimwear comes from the general store of Lars Mikkelsen, which was situated in the village of Talvik, a 20-minute drive from Alta. Lars Mikkelsen, who started his store on May 13th 1904, was also involved in the fish and cod-liver oil trades. He even worked as salesman for Vesterålske dampskipsselskap, a steamship company out of Stokmarknes, Nordland.
The general store in Talvik was run by the same family for 110 years. When the third generation discontinued operations in 2014, they donated the shop’s interiors, storehouse contents, packaging and marketing materials to Alta Museum. The collection is extensive and includes among other things kitchenware, fishing tackle, underwear, sports equipment, cosmetics, tools and a gasoline pump, as well as the exhibited swimwear.
Written by Lena Karlstrøm, curator