Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Elsa Beskow (11 February 1874 – 30 June 1953) was a famous Swedish author and illustrator of children’s books. Among her better-known books are Tale of the Little Little Old Woman and Aunt Green, Aunt Brown and Aunt Lavender.
Early Life And Education
Elsa Beskow, born Elsa Maartman on February 11, 1874, in Stockholm, Sweden, was a renowned Swedish author and illustrator of children’s books. She was born into a family where her father, Bernt Maartman, was a businessman of Norwegian descent, and her mother, Augusta Fahlstedt, was deeply involved in education. Elsa was one of six siblings, growing up in a nurturing environment that fostered her creative talents. She pursued Art Education at what is now known as Konstfack, the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm, which was then called Tekniska skolan or the Technical school. Her passion for drawing and painting, coupled with a love for reading and crafting fairy tales, was evident from an early age. At 15, she embarked on her studies at the Technical School, which laid the foundation for her illustrious career in children’s literature.
Career And Achievements
Elsa Beskow career began in 1894 when she started contributing to the children’s magazine Jultomten, eventually publishing around forty books with her own text and illustrations. Beskow’s stories often blended reality with elements from the fairy tale world, where children would interact with elves or goblins, and farm animals could speak. Her notable works include “Tale of the Little Little Old Woman” and “Aunt Green, Aunt Brown and Aunt Lavender,” which have become classics in Swedish literature and are continually reprinted. Beskow’s illustrations were distinctive for their Art Nouveau style frames, and she also contributed to ABC books and songbooks for Swedish schools. Her ability to depict a cheerful and happy home atmosphere in the Swedish countryside of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries earned her international recognition. In 1952, Beskow was awarded the Nils Holgersson Plaque by the Swedish Library Association for her significant contribution to children’s literature.
After her passing on June 30, 1953, her legacy continued with the establishment of the Elsa Beskow Award in 1958, which honors the best Swedish picture book illustrator annually. The award highlights the enduring impact of her work on Swedish culture and children’s literature globally. Beskow’s 139th birthday was commemorated by Google with a special doodle, further cementing her status as a celebrated figure in the world of children’s books.
Notable Events And Milestones
Elsa Beskow journey began at the Technical School in Sweden, where she nurtured her passion for drawing and storytelling. In 1897, she married Natanael Beskow, a former minister and social worker, and they settled in Villa Ekeliden in Djursholm, which became a nurturing ground for her creativity. Beskow’s career took off in 1894 when she started contributing to the children’s magazine Jultomten, eventually publishing around forty books with her own text and illustrations. Her works frequently blended reality with elements from the fairy tale world, where children encountered elves or goblins, and farm animals conversed with people. This unique approach resonated with readers, making her one of the most well-known Swedish children’s book artists. Her notable works include ‘Tale of the Little Little Old Woman’ and ‘Aunt Green, Aunt Brown and Aunt Lavender,’ which have become classics in children’s literature.
Beskow’s illustrations, often framed by Art Nouveau style decorative frameworks, and her simple, cheerful stories received international recognition. She was not just an author and illustrator but also an advocate for children’s rights, education, and healthcare. Her dedication to these causes has inspired many to work towards a better world for children.
Awards And Honors
- The Illis Quorum Medal: Awarded to Elsa Beskow in 1950 for her significant contributions to children’s literature.
- The King’s Medal: Bestowed upon Beskow in 1952 in recognition of her contributions to Swedish culture and society.
- The Nils Holgersson Plaque: Elsa Beskow was honored with this award by the Swedish Library Association in 1952.
- The Elsa Beskow Award: Established posthumously in her honor in 1958, this award recognizes the year’s best Swedish picture book illustrator.
- Google Doodle: On February 11, 2013, Google celebrated Elsa Beskow’s 139th birthday with a special doodle.
Additional Resources
Books by Elsa Beskow: A prolific author, Beskow’s enchanting books include “Children of the Forest,” “Peter in Blueberry Land,” “The Sun Egg,” and many more. Her works are cherished for their beautiful illustrations and whimsical tales that often blend reality with elements of the fairy tale world.
Documentaries: There are insightful documentaries available online that delve into Beskow’s world, such as “The Fairytale World of Elsa Beskow” and “Making Kin with Plants: The Picture Books of Elsa Beskow,” which explore her influence on children’s literature and her connection to nature.
Museums: The Nationalmuseum in Sweden has acquired illustrations for Elsa Beskow’s “The Tale of the Little, Little Old Woman,” and her work is part of their collection. Additionally, events like the Elsa Beskow Day Camp at Gammelgården Museum bring her stories to life through interactive activities.
