Snickers Workwear Magazine 1
The profile I Gulli Byggir make young guys and gi
rls curious and ultimately help stabilise the branch financially.” How did Gulli Byggir become Island’s third most popular TV show? “I choose my projects with care and spend a year on the production of a single season, that is, 12 episodes. I think the program feels honest. We don’t just show beautiful interiors, but focus instead on what happens between idea and end-result – the leaky pipes, blood, sweat and tears.” Aren’t you afraid of discouraging people? “On the contrary! It is then the hero, the craftsman, steps in and compassionately guides the family through the hard times. Just as it should be in a construction process.” So is it that hero aura that attracts young people to the profession? “Yes, in part. But above all it’s about showing how satisfying it is to create something with your own hands. Something that does not disappear into the cosmos when you pass on, like legal paragraphs and bookkeeping figures.” Who are your typical viewers? “Young people between 12 and 20 – all according to plan.” But you’re not satisfied with just having a big TV hit? “I suppose you are referring to the radio show I do every morning... to break ingrained patterns you have to preach the gospel in many different ways. Through many different channels. Even if the focus is not on building for three hours a day, five days a week, I make sure to sneak in my propaganda as often as I can.” How do you go about that? “For example, guests who have a say in how things are done in the country always have to put up with a couple of questions about how political initiatives can attract more young people to the craft trades.” How did your own interest in the craft trades come about? “I was more or less born in my grandfather’s furniture factory. He was probably the one who got me thinking about leaving something behind that you’ve created.” Is there any room on your schedule for carpentry? “I can’t take on construction or remodelling projects because I can’t leave the radio studio until lunchtime. However, I have just acquired a small workshop and I’ve started designing and building furniture on a small scale.” What do you typically wear when you’re working? “I’ve just reluctantly folded my pirate pants and put them into a drawer, having worn them from March to October. The first time I wore them on TV I got emails from other people in the trades, asking how the devil I could wear something like that. So in the next program, I demonstrated all the benefits. A few weeks later, I heard from suppliers that their pirate stock was sold out. Today, I don’t think anyone is torturing themselves through the summer months with long pants.” So what did you pull out of your closet for the winter? “Undergarments of Merino wool, Snickers floorlayer trousers and a body mapping fleece jacket (just love it).” Gullis’ three Snickers favourites 2 Gunnlaugur ”Gulli” Helgason Size: 48-50. Age: 55 Family: Four children, 16–29 I live here: Reykjavik, Iceland. Profession: Carpenter and television and radio host. Favourite garment: Body mapping fleece jacket from Snickers Workwear. Favourite tool: Hultafors adjustable crowbar. Philosophy: Enjoy life and have fun. And be nice to the people around you. 6923 FlexiWork, Floorlayer Trousers+ Holster Pockets Floorlayer trousers “These trousers are just the thing for anyone who works a lot on their knees. It’s the nicest garment I’ve ever worn and the knee protectors are always in the right place no matter how much you move. In addition, they’re incredibly durable, even though they’re so soft and thin.” 66 autumn/winter 2018 I Snickers Workwear