ENTRY DESCRIPTION
Finnish former warden Esko Aaltonen and his wall of history in a fireplace room at his house. The wall is decorated with chains, handcuffs, licence plate (made by prisoner) and a guards submachine gun.

Aaltonen started his career in prison as a guard in 1964. He worked as a chief in Helsinki Prison (1992-1999), also known as Sörkka, and in Hämeenlinna Prison (1999-2004), among others.

He was a pioneer of Finnish prison sports programs and the founder and the leader of the prison athletic club called Ilves (1972-1992).

Photo was taken on 8th of March in 2021, a few days before Aaltonen turned 80 years old.

AUTHOR
Toni Rasinkangas is a professional photographer and a journalist based in Hämeenlinna (Southern Finland), working for newspaper Hämeen Sanomat.

back to gallery