The mechanical tree

A towering metal tree sculpture stands on a grassy hill under an overcast sky. The piece sits upon a reflective, pool-like metal base, with its intricate mechanical roots extending outward, contrasting the natural park setting in the background.

A low-angle close-up of the branches from Olav Lunde's industrial tree sculpture. The dark, rusted metal limbs are adorned with delicate, translucent star-shaped flowers, contrasting heavy ironwork with fragile beauty against a gray sky.

The Mechanical Tree
Permanent public commission, Bruksparken, Finspång | 2014

Standing 4.5 meters tall and weighing around 450 kg, The Mechanical Tree (Det mekaniska trädet) is located near the castle by the water in Bruksparken. The sculpture is built from dark, rusted parts of old industrial and agricultural machinery. Stainless steel flowers and a reflective “water surface” at its base add contrast, symbolizing the unique identity of Finspång—where nature, forests, and lakes meet a long tradition of industrial innovation.

Commissioned and funded by Finspång Municipality, the sculpture was constructed on site in close dialogue with local residents.

For commission inquiries, please contact the artist.

An ink and wash concept sketch for Olav Lunde's industrial tree sculpture. The drawing details the segmented, mechanical trunk and branches, with roots that anchor into a flat, reflective base.

A candid shot of sculptor Olav Lunde on-site, providing a sense of scale for the mechanical tree. He is positioned near the base of the sculpture, surrounded by tools and raw metal materials.

A large-scale industrial tree sculpture by Olav Lunde at dusk. The rusted iron trunk and branches are illuminated by warm spotlights, while the flat, polished metal base reflects the deep blue sky, creating the illusion of a glowing pool on the grass.

A serene dawn view of Olav Lunde’s industrial tree sculpture covered in a light dusting of snow. The dark, rusted metal contrasts with the glowing white field, while the low sun casts a soft pink hue over the wintry Swedish landscape.