söndag 23 februari 2020

Gustaf Tenggren exhibition opened at Millesgården, Stockholm

On Saturday February 22, 2020, the long-awaited comprehensive exhibition of Gustaf Tenggren's art opened at Millesgården in Stockholm. This museum is built to commemorate the art of Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, but throws at least three great art shows of other artists yearly. This time, Gustaf Tenggren is the subject. The generous loans of art from important American archives like The Walt Disney Family Museum, Kerlan Collection and Weisman Museum in Minneapolis guarantee the quality of this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. Along with the art lent by Museums and private persons in Sweden, the show stands out as the most ambitious Tenggren exhibition so far.



The opening was held in attendance of members of the American Embassy in Stockholm who also are sponsoring the show. Museum Director Onita Wass held the opening speech and curator and Tenggren biographer Lars Emanuelsson followed with some words. The exhibition features legendary Tenggren art from his period as an employee at the Walt disney Studio 1936 - 1939, never before seen in Sweden. Concept paintings for the feature films SnowWhite and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio and Silly Symphony The Old Mill  can be studied closely.



Spectacular illustrations from his years as a famed commercial artist and illustrator during the 1920ies and 1930ies in New York reveals why he was hired by Disney in the first place. Additionally, a great selection of children's book art from his years as a Golden Books artist tops off the exhibition. The show runs from February 22 through May 31 2020, and is a must for anyone who loves Tenggren art and wants to see a representative compilation of his art, spanning his total production. This opportunity may not come back, so hurry to Millesgården in Stockholm to see the show.

Model sheets for Pinocchio produced and previously owned by Gustaf Tenggren

Three concept paintings for Pinocchio

Pinocchio merchandise lent by artist and Disneyana collector Lasse Åberg


Little Golden Books and Poky Little Puppy merchandise


Pinocchio and  Snow White merchandise lent by Lasse Åberg