Matti Åkerblom

Matti Åkerblom (né Pärnä; 18 July 1740, Eräjärvi — 10 June 1819, Orivesi) was a notable Finnish church designer and builder of the late 18th century, who also held the office of the regional master builder of the Province of Tavastia.^[1][2]

Åkerblom first worked as a farm hand, but later decided to train as a carpenter, learning his trade under Antti Piimänen.^[2] His training took unusually long, with the apprenticeship and journeymanship stages each lasting five years, before he completed his master work, the bell tower of Halikko Church, in 1773.^[3] The master work had not been sanctioned by the guild, but when completed it was nevertheless approved, thus gaining Åkerblom his mastership.^[2]

Notable churches built by Åkerblom include Nurmijärvi Church, Pihlajavesi Old Church, Angelniemi Church [fi] (completed a year before Åkerblom's master status), Kuorevesi Church [fi] and Kuru Church [fi], among others: in total, Åkerblom is known to have designed and built at least ten churches and five bell towers.^[2]