When Russia pulled out of Estonia in the 1990s, they detonated or burned all remaining ordnance, leaving a sea of scrap in their wake. Much was immediately brought (or washed) to shore and recycled, but many remain.
Estonian artist Mati Karmin has recycled these old and decommissioned mines into a variety of different furniture pieces ranging from fireplaces to chandeliers. You can find more information on the specific mines used here.
The range of works have resulted in art exhibits and a mine furniture company named Marinemine. At the official site you can find all of the different pieces of furniture Karmin has built from old sea mines. Some, like the bed are more sculptural than practical but all are interesting to see.
[via failure_fiasco on Reddit]
1. Fireplaces
2. Armchair
3. Davenport Table
4. Coffee Table
5. Chandelier
Created by esteemed Estonian sculptor Mati Karmin, the sea mines are found off the coast of Estonia and transformed into eye-catching swings, charcoal grills, aquariums and armchairs.
Here’s the info on these formerly destructive weapons for military buffs according to Mati Karmin’s website:
The frame of the artpieces is a historical deep-sea mine of AGSB-type, made in Russia in 1942. It was a big galvanic deep-sea mine, equipped with “Blok” device and two contact electro-magnetic antennas. The upper antenna was kept steady by a buoy. The mine was used to fight submarines. It was still manufactured in the 50-ies.
The measures of the original mine are: diameter: 875 mm, weight: 1140 kg, Explosive charge: 240 kg.
Dubbing his pieces “mine furniture”, Karmin’s unique work began five years ago when exploring the once-inaccessible border and coastal zone of northern Estonia that was chock full of corroded mine shells. Fascinated with experimenting with the various forms and possibilities of using these discarded modules, Karmin has created a unique collection of work that explores the history of Estonia while making functional furniture.
is sculptor and industrial designer with a taste for the absurd, crafting such innocent furniture objects as carriages for children, suspended porch swings, master beds and lounge chairs and even bathtubs out of unlikely empty shells.
When Russia pulled out of Estonia in the 1990s, they detonated or burned all remaining ordinance, leaving a sea of scrap in their wake.
Marine Mine started two and a half decades ago, deconstructing and reconstructing abandoned mines recovered from the shores of Estonia. From a steampunk chandelier to an industrial toilet enclosure, rolling chair, coffee table and stand-alone dresser, here are some more of their marvelous (or is it monstrous?) refab creations.
“The frame of the artpieces is a historical deep-sea mine of AGSB-type, made in Russia in 1942. It was a big galvanic deep-sea mine, equipped with “Blok” device and two contact electro-magnetic antennas. The upper antenna was kept steady by a buoy. The mine was used to fight submarines. It was still manufactured in the 50-ies”
The signature “horns” still visible on the outside of this decommissioned ordinance are made of soft lead and once contained a glass ampule of asset that, when triggered by a passing boat or ship, caused an explosive chain reaction.