Manual knowledge is at risk of disappearing, while practical skills remain essential to society. In this lecture, carpenter and author Ole Thorstensen takes The Method of the Hands as his starting point, exploring the knowledge held in the hands, how it has been understood throughout history, and its relevance today.
Through encounters with researchers and practitioners in manual professions, Thorstensen demonstrates how hands-on work contains experience, precision and insight that cannot always be captured through theory alone.
A lecture on the value of practical knowledge and the importance of recognising the significance of skilled manual work.
Questions will be welcomed towards the end.
Ole Thorstensen (b. 1965) is a carpenter and author. His book A Carpenter’s Diary (2015) received widespread attention and has been translated into 16 languages. Later publications include Just a Job (2022), exploring working life and labour migration.
The event is part of Kapittel – Stavanger International Festival of Literature and Freedom of Speech, 16–20 September 2026. More information, the programme and tickets can be found at www.kapittel.no.
Photography and video recording may take place at selected events at Søl
