Gustaf Tenggren
Swedish-American illustrator whose images have become icons for millions of people all over the World.
tisdag 12 december 2023
A Tenggren sleeper comes public
måndag 16 augusti 2021
Gustaf Tenggren, the toddler
Just recently, I had the pleasure to receive this photo. It may look as an average 120-year old family group photo, but it is probably the first image ever showing Gustaf Tenggren together with his siblings, and of Gustaf himself at that.
On top, Olga Natalia b. 1888, and Anna Teresia b. 1886.
torsdag 12 augusti 2021
Silverware ads turned into pirate story book
During his first years in New York in the 1920ies, Gustaf Tenggren was fastly reaching a position as one of the most sought-after illustrators. Many of the advertisement commissions had a historical or mythological connection, and Gustaf Tenggren was a master at rendering historical clothing and props. Starting in 1926, Rogers Bros Silverware company hired Gustaf for a series of ads, depicting pirates hunting for treasuries, led by a young woman as their pirate queen. In 1927, a brochure was produced in the form of a story book, illustrated with a number of Gustaf's paintings used for the ads and with new pages to accompany them. The book is small, only 11x16 centimeters, but still quite powerful, especially the imposing cover. Here is the total set of spreads. Ahoy!
söndag 23 februari 2020
Gustaf Tenggren exhibition opened at Millesgården, Stockholm
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 |
måndag 31 december 2018
söndag 23 december 2018
Gustaf's Night Before Christmas
Gustaf Tenggren illustrated this classic in his typical 1950s style, using decorative, stylized planes of bright colors in a syncopated jazzy rhythm. A clear inspiration from his former Disney colleague Mary Blair can be recognized.
In this spread, with Santa delivering toys, Gustaf has included three of the characters he invented for Little Golden Books. The Poky Little Puppy, The Lively Little Rabbit and The Tawny Scrawny Lion are all featured in the image, although the lion was not introduced until the year after, in 1952. I think this somewhat forgotten Tenggren book is one of his brightest and merriest. With that, i wish all A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
lördag 14 juli 2018
Gustaf Tenggren visits Millesgården
Carl Milles, 1875 – 1955 and Gustaf Tenggren, 1896 – 1970 |