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Jörgen Thornberg
The advantage of sunroofs, 2023
Digital
50 x 70 cm
3 200 kr
Back in the day, our only roof was the sky, rain, snow, or weather we encountered while travelling by horse and carriage. It wasn't until later that we got a roof over our heads, but still no sunroof. When the sun was at its peak, it was sweltering inside the carriage, even if we could open the windows in the doors. The poor coachman had to endure all weather conditions. This situation persisted for a long time; even in the early days of the automobile, the driver was often left exposed. Then, in a significant development in the 1920s, the first sunroofs appeared, providing a much-needed respite for the driver, who was usually still sitting in the open.
Remember those days as a child when we would entertain ourselves with trick questions? Here's one: How do you squeeze an entire school class into a Volkswagen? The answer, my friend, is simple. You need two bags of candy. Throw them into the car, and all the kids will follow suit. Now, let's up the ante. How about fitting four elephants into the same Volkswagen? Piece of cake. Two in the front, two in the back. Ah, the innocence of childhood and the simplicity of our imaginations.
How on earth do you fit a giraffe into a Fiat 600? For the uninitiated, the Fiat 600 was a tiny, rear-engined city car and economy family car made by Italian Fiat from 1955 to 1969. It was so small that a normal-height Northern European man could barely wear a cap inside. So, what's the solution for the giraffe? You buy a car with a sunroof, of course. A variant with a sliding ragtop sunroof was introduced in its first year. This allowed for more headroom and demonstrated the practicality and versatility of sunroofs in accommodating unusual cargo. Whether it was for giraffes, I can't say, but the model was all the rage.
The Marvelous Misadventures of the Sunroof
A sunroof is a movable panel that opens to reveal a window in an automobile roof, letting light and fresh air flood into the passenger compartment. These nifty features can be manually operated or motor-driven and come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. While "sunroof" has become a generic term to describe any glass panel on the roof, the term "moonroof" was once reserved for stationary glass panes that were rigidly mounted on the roof over the passenger compartment. A moonroof typically has a transparent, usually tinted, glass panel. In the past, terms like sunshine roof, sliding head, and sliding roof were used.
A Historical Journey
In the early days of automobiles, a standard design featured a fixed roof over the rear passenger compartment and an open section for the chauffeur, known as Coupe de Ville, Sedanca (two-door), or Sedanca de Ville. This open cabin allowed the driver to be more connected to their surroundings, showcased the car owner's wealth by indicating they had a paid driver (hence the chauffeur's uniform), and provided a direct identifier through the driver's livery. However, as road speeds increased and cars began to be used more frequently in bad weather, a need for better shelter for the driver arose. This led to the evolution of sunroofs, initially a simple piece of stretched leather. Over time, these sunroofs evolved into more sophisticated designs with frame elements and leather or water-resistant cloth, which could be stored when unused. This evolution of sunroofs is a testament to car owners' ever-changing needs and preferences and a significant milestone in the history of automobile design, showcasing the continuous improvement in automotive technology.
By the late 1920s, a more convenient version of the temporary roof emerged, with a solid metal panel sliding into a slot at the top of the passenger compartment, sometimes called a de Ville extension. By the early 1930s, cars were constructed with a solid metal one-piece roof. To maintain the functionality of exposing the driver to the elements, as seen in earlier designs, sliding cloth or metal panels, recognisable as modern sunroofs, were fitted to luxury models from Bentley and Rolls-Royce by coachbuilders like Barker, Gurney Nutting, or Park Ward. Unlike the Coupe de Ville, these continuous rooflines required a coverable opening in the roof panel itself.
Witness the innovation and evolution of sunroofs. Initially, these panels aimed to expose the chauffeur, but the purpose shifted as Bentleys increasingly sold to owners who preferred to drive themselves. Sliding panels began to serve as a way for the owner to enjoy their surroundings on pleasant days. This trend wasn't limited to luxury vehicles. Entrepreneur Noel Mobbs revolutionised the market by evolving his coach-building business into a company that manufactures sliding roofs called Pytchley. Patented and publicly demonstrated in 1925, the Pytchley mechanism allowed roofs to slide open with a touch, offering greater visibility and ventilation.
This innovation quickly spread, with Pytchley roofs becoming factory-fitted options for various manufacturers. By 1929, the design had improved so that the moveable panel was flush with the roof when closed. Morris, Wolseley, Austin, and Hillman models adopted the technology, making sliding roofs popular in luxury and affordable cars. The Hillman Minx even offered a sliding roof section with glass panels in 1933, making it the first "moonroof."
Modern Marvels and Varieties
Today, sunroof systems have evolved to offer many types, each with unique features designed to enhance your driving experience. This variety reflects car owners' diverse needs and preferences, offering a solution for every lifestyle. Let's explore some of the main types:
- Pop-up Sunroofs: These manually operated tilting panels are usually removable and provide a vent or whole opening when the panel is removed. Examples include early Mazda RX-7s and many aftermarket installations.
- Spoiler Sunroofs: Combining features of pop-up and sliding roofs, this tilt-to-vent and slide-open above the roof requires little headroom. They're ideal for short-roof vehicles.
- Inbuilt Sunroofs: These panels slide between the metal roof and interior headliner, offering a whole opening in the ceiling. Most modern versions use glass panels with sliding sunshades.
- Folding Sunroofs: Also known as ragtops, these fabric panels fold back as they slide open, providing an opening similar to a convertible. Examples include the original VW Beetle and Jeep Liberty.
- Top-mount Sliding Sunroofs: Popular in Europe, these large glass panels slide open in tracks on top of the roof, preserving headroom. An integral wind deflector minimises wind noise.
- Panoramic Roof Systems: These large or multi-panel moonroofs offer openings above front and rear seats, providing extensive views and ventilation.
- Removable Roof Panels (T-tops or Targa Roofs): These create wide openings to the side windows, providing more exposure than other roof systems.
- Solar Sunroofs: These glass panels with inlaid photovoltaic solar cells provide electricity to power interior ventilation fans when the car is parked in sunlight.
- Electric vs. Electronic: Modern power roof systems can be operated by simple switches or sophisticated electronic control modules, offering express opening and closing features.
Whether you prefer the classic charm of a pop-up sunroof or the modern convenience of a panoramic roof system, the evolution of sunroofs and moonroofs offers a delightful array of choices for every driver. And the journey of sunroofs doesn't end here. With the rapid advancements in automotive technology, we can expect to see even more innovative and efficient sunroof designs. So, next time you open your car's sunroof, remember the rich history and innovation that made it possible and look forward to the exciting possibilities.
Jörgen Thornberg
The advantage of sunroofs, 2023
Digital
50 x 70 cm
3 200 kr
Back in the day, our only roof was the sky, rain, snow, or weather we encountered while travelling by horse and carriage. It wasn't until later that we got a roof over our heads, but still no sunroof. When the sun was at its peak, it was sweltering inside the carriage, even if we could open the windows in the doors. The poor coachman had to endure all weather conditions. This situation persisted for a long time; even in the early days of the automobile, the driver was often left exposed. Then, in a significant development in the 1920s, the first sunroofs appeared, providing a much-needed respite for the driver, who was usually still sitting in the open.
Remember those days as a child when we would entertain ourselves with trick questions? Here's one: How do you squeeze an entire school class into a Volkswagen? The answer, my friend, is simple. You need two bags of candy. Throw them into the car, and all the kids will follow suit. Now, let's up the ante. How about fitting four elephants into the same Volkswagen? Piece of cake. Two in the front, two in the back. Ah, the innocence of childhood and the simplicity of our imaginations.
How on earth do you fit a giraffe into a Fiat 600? For the uninitiated, the Fiat 600 was a tiny, rear-engined city car and economy family car made by Italian Fiat from 1955 to 1969. It was so small that a normal-height Northern European man could barely wear a cap inside. So, what's the solution for the giraffe? You buy a car with a sunroof, of course. A variant with a sliding ragtop sunroof was introduced in its first year. This allowed for more headroom and demonstrated the practicality and versatility of sunroofs in accommodating unusual cargo. Whether it was for giraffes, I can't say, but the model was all the rage.
The Marvelous Misadventures of the Sunroof
A sunroof is a movable panel that opens to reveal a window in an automobile roof, letting light and fresh air flood into the passenger compartment. These nifty features can be manually operated or motor-driven and come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. While "sunroof" has become a generic term to describe any glass panel on the roof, the term "moonroof" was once reserved for stationary glass panes that were rigidly mounted on the roof over the passenger compartment. A moonroof typically has a transparent, usually tinted, glass panel. In the past, terms like sunshine roof, sliding head, and sliding roof were used.
A Historical Journey
In the early days of automobiles, a standard design featured a fixed roof over the rear passenger compartment and an open section for the chauffeur, known as Coupe de Ville, Sedanca (two-door), or Sedanca de Ville. This open cabin allowed the driver to be more connected to their surroundings, showcased the car owner's wealth by indicating they had a paid driver (hence the chauffeur's uniform), and provided a direct identifier through the driver's livery. However, as road speeds increased and cars began to be used more frequently in bad weather, a need for better shelter for the driver arose. This led to the evolution of sunroofs, initially a simple piece of stretched leather. Over time, these sunroofs evolved into more sophisticated designs with frame elements and leather or water-resistant cloth, which could be stored when unused. This evolution of sunroofs is a testament to car owners' ever-changing needs and preferences and a significant milestone in the history of automobile design, showcasing the continuous improvement in automotive technology.
By the late 1920s, a more convenient version of the temporary roof emerged, with a solid metal panel sliding into a slot at the top of the passenger compartment, sometimes called a de Ville extension. By the early 1930s, cars were constructed with a solid metal one-piece roof. To maintain the functionality of exposing the driver to the elements, as seen in earlier designs, sliding cloth or metal panels, recognisable as modern sunroofs, were fitted to luxury models from Bentley and Rolls-Royce by coachbuilders like Barker, Gurney Nutting, or Park Ward. Unlike the Coupe de Ville, these continuous rooflines required a coverable opening in the roof panel itself.
Witness the innovation and evolution of sunroofs. Initially, these panels aimed to expose the chauffeur, but the purpose shifted as Bentleys increasingly sold to owners who preferred to drive themselves. Sliding panels began to serve as a way for the owner to enjoy their surroundings on pleasant days. This trend wasn't limited to luxury vehicles. Entrepreneur Noel Mobbs revolutionised the market by evolving his coach-building business into a company that manufactures sliding roofs called Pytchley. Patented and publicly demonstrated in 1925, the Pytchley mechanism allowed roofs to slide open with a touch, offering greater visibility and ventilation.
This innovation quickly spread, with Pytchley roofs becoming factory-fitted options for various manufacturers. By 1929, the design had improved so that the moveable panel was flush with the roof when closed. Morris, Wolseley, Austin, and Hillman models adopted the technology, making sliding roofs popular in luxury and affordable cars. The Hillman Minx even offered a sliding roof section with glass panels in 1933, making it the first "moonroof."
Modern Marvels and Varieties
Today, sunroof systems have evolved to offer many types, each with unique features designed to enhance your driving experience. This variety reflects car owners' diverse needs and preferences, offering a solution for every lifestyle. Let's explore some of the main types:
- Pop-up Sunroofs: These manually operated tilting panels are usually removable and provide a vent or whole opening when the panel is removed. Examples include early Mazda RX-7s and many aftermarket installations.
- Spoiler Sunroofs: Combining features of pop-up and sliding roofs, this tilt-to-vent and slide-open above the roof requires little headroom. They're ideal for short-roof vehicles.
- Inbuilt Sunroofs: These panels slide between the metal roof and interior headliner, offering a whole opening in the ceiling. Most modern versions use glass panels with sliding sunshades.
- Folding Sunroofs: Also known as ragtops, these fabric panels fold back as they slide open, providing an opening similar to a convertible. Examples include the original VW Beetle and Jeep Liberty.
- Top-mount Sliding Sunroofs: Popular in Europe, these large glass panels slide open in tracks on top of the roof, preserving headroom. An integral wind deflector minimises wind noise.
- Panoramic Roof Systems: These large or multi-panel moonroofs offer openings above front and rear seats, providing extensive views and ventilation.
- Removable Roof Panels (T-tops or Targa Roofs): These create wide openings to the side windows, providing more exposure than other roof systems.
- Solar Sunroofs: These glass panels with inlaid photovoltaic solar cells provide electricity to power interior ventilation fans when the car is parked in sunlight.
- Electric vs. Electronic: Modern power roof systems can be operated by simple switches or sophisticated electronic control modules, offering express opening and closing features.
Whether you prefer the classic charm of a pop-up sunroof or the modern convenience of a panoramic roof system, the evolution of sunroofs and moonroofs offers a delightful array of choices for every driver. And the journey of sunroofs doesn't end here. With the rapid advancements in automotive technology, we can expect to see even more innovative and efficient sunroof designs. So, next time you open your car's sunroof, remember the rich history and innovation that made it possible and look forward to the exciting possibilities.
3 200 kr
Jörgen Thornberg
Malmö
Lite om bilder och mig. Translation in English at the end.
Jag är en nyfiken person som ser allt i bilder, även det jag fäster i ord, gärna tillsammans för bakom alla mina bilder finns en berättelse. Till vissa bilder hör en kortare eller längre novell som följer med bilden.
Bilder berättar historier. Jag omges av naturlig skönhet, intressanta människor och historia var jag än går. Jag använder min kamera för att dokumentera världen och blanda det jag ser med vad jag känner för att fånga den dolda magin.
Mina bilder berättar mina historier. Genom mina bilder, tryck och berättelser. Jag bjuder in dig att ta del av dessa berättelser, in i ditt liv och hem och dela min mycket personliga syn på vår värld. Mer än vad ögat ser. Jag tänker i bilder, drömmer och skriver och pratar om dem; följaktligen måste jag också skapa bilder. De blir vad jag ser, inte nödvändigtvis begränsade till verkligheten. Det finns en bild runt varje hörn. Jag hoppas att du kommer att se vad jag såg och gilla det.
Jag är också en skrivande person och till många bilder hör en kortare eller längre essay. Den följer med tavlan, tryckt på fint papper och med en personlig hälsning från mig.
Flertalet bilder startar sin resa i min kamera. Enkelt förklarat beskriver jag bilden jag ser i mitt inre, upplevd eller fantiserad. Bilden uppstår inom mig redan innan jag fått okularet till ögat. På bråkdelen av ett ögonblick ser jag vad jag vill ha och vad som kan göras med bilden. Här skall jag stoppa in en giraff, stålmannen, Titanic eller vad det är min fantasi finner ut. Ännu märkligare är att jag kommer ihåg minnesbilden långt efteråt när det blir tid att skapa verket. Om jag lyckas eller inte, är upp till betraktaren, oftast präglat av en stråk av svart humor – meningen är att man skall bli underhållen. Mina bilder blir ofta en snackis där de hänger.
Jag föredrar bilder som förmedlar ett budskap i flera lager. Vid första anblicken fylld av feel-good, en vacker utsikt, fint väder, solen skiner, blommor på ängen eller vattnet som ligger förrädiskt spegelblankt. I en sådan bild kan jag gömma min egentliga berättelse, mitt förakt för förtryckare och våldsverkare, rasister och fördomsfulla människor - ett gärna återkommande motiv mer eller mindre dolt i det vackra motivet. Jag försöker förena dem i ett gemensamt narrativ.
Bild och formgivning har löpt som en röd tråd genom livet. Fotokonst känns som en värdig final som jag gärna delar med mig.
Min genre är vid som framgår av mina bilder, temat en blandning av pop- och gatukonst i kollage som kan bestå av hundratals lager. Vissa bilder kan ta veckor, andra någon dag innan det är dags att överlämna resultatet till printverkstaden. Fine Art Prints är digitala fotocollage. I dessa kollage sker rivandet, klippandet, pusslandet, målandet, ritandet och sprayningen digitalt. Det jag monterar in kan vara hundratals år gamla bilder som jag omsorgsfullt frilägger så att de ser ut att vara en del av tavlan men också bilder skapade av mig själv efter min egen fantasi. Därefter besöks printstudion och för vissa bilder numrera en limiterad upplaga (oftast 7 exemplar) och signera för hand. Vissa bilder kan köpas i olika format. Det är bara att fråga efter vilka. Gillar man en bild som är 70x100 men inte har plats på väggen, går den kanske att få i 50x70 cm istället. Frågan är fri.
Metoden Giclée eller Fine Art Print som det också kallas är det moderna sättet för framställning av grafisk konst. Villkoret för denna typ av utskrifter är att en högkvalitativ storformatskrivare används med åldersbeständigt färgpigment och konstnärspapper eller i förekommande fall på duk. Pappret som används möter de krav på livslängd som ställs av museer och gallerier. Normalt säljer jag mina bilder oinramade så att den nya ägaren själv kan bestämma hur de skall se ut, med eller utan passepartout färg på ram, med eller utan glas etc..
Under många år ställde jag bara ut på nätet, i valda grupper och på min egen Facebooksida - https://www.facebook.com/jorgen.thornberg.9
Jag finns också på en egen hemsida som tyvärr inte alltid är uppdaterad – https://www.jth.life/ Där kan du också läsa en del av de berättelser som följer med bilden.
UTSTÄLLNINGAR
Luftkastellet, oktober 2022
Konst i Lund, november 2022
Luftkastellet, mars 2023
Engleson Galleri Caroli, april 2023
Hydra, Greece June 2023
Engleson Galleri Caroli, oktober 2023
Toppen, Höllviken december 2023
Luftkastellet, mars 2024
Torups Galleri, mars 2024
Venice, May 2024
Luftkastellet, oktober 2024
Konst i Advent, December 2024
Galleri Engleson, Caroli December 2024
Jäger & Jansson Galleri, april 2025
A bit about pictures and me.
I'm a curious person who sees everything in pictures, even what I express in words, often combining them, for behind all my pictures lies a story. These narratives, some as short as a single image and others as long as a novel, are the heart and soul of my work.
Pictures tell stories. Wherever I go, I'm surrounded by natural beauty, exciting people, and history. I use my camera to document the world and blend what I see with what I feel to capture the hidden magic.
My images tell my stories. Through my pictures, prints, and narratives, I invite you to partake in these stories in your life and home and share my deeply personal perspective of our world. More than meets the eye. I think in pictures, dream, write, and talk about them; consequently, I must create images too. They become what I see, not necessarily confined to reality. There's a picture around every corner. I hope you'll see what I saw and enjoy it.
I'm also a writer, and many images come with a shorter or longer essay. It accompanies the painting, printed on fine paper with my personal greeting.
Many pictures start their journey on my camera. Simply put, I describe the image I see in my mind, experienced or imagined. The image arises within me even before I bring the eyepiece to my eye. In a fraction of a moment, I see what I want and what can be done with the picture. Here, I'll insert a giraffe, Superman, the Titanic, or whatever my imagination conjures up. Even stranger is that I remember the mental image long after it's time to create the work. Whether I succeed is up to the observer, often imbued with a streak of black humour – the aim is to entertain. My pictures usually become a talking point wherever they hang.
I prefer pictures that convey a message in multiple layers. At first glance, they're filled with feel-good vibes, a beautiful view, lovely weather, the sun shining, flowers in the meadow, or the water lying deceptively calm. But beneath this surface beauty, I often conceal a deeper story, a narrative that challenges societal norms or explores the human condition. I invite you to delve into these hidden narratives and discover the layers of meaning within my work.
Picture and design have been a thread running through my life. Photographic art feels like a fitting finale, and I'm happy to share it.
My genre is varied, as seen in my pictures; the theme is a blend of pop and street art in collages that can consist of hundreds of layers. Some images can take weeks, others just a day before it's time to hand over the result to the print workshop. Fine Art Prints are digital photo collages. In these collages, tearing, cutting, puzzling, painting, drawing, and spraying happen digitally. What I insert can be images hundreds of years old that I carefully extract so they appear to be part of the painting, but also images created by myself, now also generated from my imagination. Next, visit the print studio and, for certain images, number a limited edition (usually 7 copies) and sign them by hand. Some images may be available in other formats. Just ask which ones. If you like an image that's 70x100 but doesn't have space on the wall, you might be able to get it in 50x70 cm instead. The question is open.
The Giclée method, or Fine Art Print as it's also called, is the modern way of producing graphic art. This method ensures the highest quality and longevity of the artwork, using a high-quality large-format printer with archival pigment inks and artist paper or, in some cases, canvas. The paper used meets the longevity requirements set by museums and galleries. I sell my pictures unframed, allowing the new owner to personalise their artwork, confident in the lasting value and quality of the piece.
For many years, I only exhibited online, in selected groups, and on my Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/jorgen.thornberg.9. I also have my website, which unfortunately is not constantly updated - https://www.jth.life/. You can also read some of the stories accompanying the pictures there.
EXHIBITIONS
Luftkastellet, October 2022
Art in Lund, November 2022
Luftkastellet, March 2023
Engleson Gallery Caroli, April 2023
Hydra, Greece June 2023
Engleson Gallery Caroli, October 2023
Toppen, Höllviken December 2023
Luftkastellet, March 2024
Torup Gallery, March 2024
Venice, May 2024
UTSTÄLLNINGAR
Luftkastellet, oktober 2022
Konst i Lund, november 2022
Luftkastellet, mars 2023
Engleson Galleri Caroli, april 2023
Hydra, Greece June 2023
Engleson Galleri Caroli, oktober 2023
Toppen, Höllviken december 2023
Luftkastellet, mars 2024
Torups Galleri, mars 2024
Venice, May 2024
Luftkastellet, October 2024
Konst i Advent, December 2024
Galleri Engleson, Caroli December 2024
Jäger & Jansson Galleri, April 2025
Utbildning
Autodidakt
Medlem i konstnärsförening
Öppna Sinnen
Med i konstrunda
Konstrundan i Skåne
Utställningar
Luftkastellet, October 2022
Art in Lund, November 2022
Luftkastellet, March 2023
Engleson Gallery Caroli, April 2023
Hydra, Greece June 2023
Engleson Gallery Caroli, October 2023
Toppen, Höllviken December 2023
Luftkastellet, March 2024
Torup Gallery, March 2024
Venice, May 2024