Exhibition Featuring Tallinn's Old Thomas Symbol Opens on Hiiumaa

Visitors to the Sõru Museum on the island of Hiiumaa can now see a display of objects featuring Old Thomas, the weather vane considered a symbol of Tallinn. The items come from the private collection of Eero Kõõp, who has been collecting such pieces for a decade.

The Tallinn guardian is set to mark a major anniversary in the near future, and over the course of five centuries its appearance has remained largely unchanged. The weather vane was installed in 1530, although according to one legend the name Thomas was given to it later. The original creator of Old Thomas is unknown, and the first version is currently preserved at the Tallinn City Museum.

Over time, the figure has been given stylized interpretations. Kõõp noted that during the period of the twin city Schwerin, a clown version was produced, while Old Thomas on restaurant tableware looks slightly different. In general, however, the image has stayed recognizable, with the flag always appearing on the same side.

Most of the objects in the exhibition were manufactured decades ago. Perhaps the best-known piece is a desk lamp featuring Old Thomas that was once made by the Estoplast company. Modern souvenirs, however, have a different story: they are produced in China, where local souvenir sellers order their products.