Artist leaves thousands of artworks and home to Árnes museum

Artist Frosti Fjalar Jónsson named Listasafn Árnesinga, an art museum, as his sole heir, leaving it thousands of artworks, his apartment, all its contents and his bank deposits, mbl.is reports.

The museum’s general meeting unanimously approved accepting the inheritance, along with the conditions attached to it. Jónsson, formerly known as Jakob Jónsson, died on June 26.

His will requires the museum to inspect, sort, catalogue and digitally photograph all the artworks, and place them in suitable, permanent storage. It also asks the museum to publish a book about him as a visual artist, with the aim of making his legacy accessible to the public.

The meeting was told that carrying out the requirements would involve substantial work and expense. However, the estate’s assets are considered sufficient to cover the estimated costs, and the inheritance could significantly strengthen the museum’s work. The meeting minutes did not state the inheritance’s total value.

The museum’s board had already agreed to accept the inheritance, but approval from the general meeting was also required because of the conditions in the will. The meeting also agreed to request public probate proceedings and the appointment of an estate administrator.

In a formal resolution, the meeting said the conditions attached to the bequest would help strengthen the museum’s professional work for years to come.