Aðalgeir celebrates 90th birthday with limousine and documentary

Aðalgeir Egilsson, known as Alli at Mánárbakki on Tjörnes, marked his 90th birthday with a limousine ride, a family celebration and the premiere of a documentary about his work. The story was reported by mbl.is.

Family and friends arranged for a limousine to collect him and take him to Sólvangur, their community hall, for a birthday reception.

“I had never stepped into a limousine before, so this was my first trip in such a magnificent car,” Alli said. He added that it was enjoyable to travel with his family in such a large vehicle.

“Yes, I arrived at the party with dignity,” he said, laughing.

Many family members and friends joined the celebration. A documentary about Alli’s work at Mánárbakki and the heritage museum he has operated since 1995 was also premiered. Stefán Jón Hafstein made the film, while Óskar Páll Sveinsson handled the filming.

After the reception, Alli’s great-grandchildren took him on an ice cream outing to Húsavík. The documentary was later shown at the new cinema there, where guests enjoyed it, he said.

Alli said he had long been interested in collecting Icelandic objects and preserving the country’s cultural heritage. His home eventually became full of artefacts, after which he received the house Þórshamar from Húsavík and moved it onto his property. The building became the foundation for the museum, which is now widely known.

Alli said staying active helped him remain fit and that he enjoyed working at the museum and preserving objects. He described his birthday as a very happy day and said he welcomed the focus on positive news.