Uppsala in pictures - Per Tärnström

There is something special about Uppsala. And something truly special about Uppsala in art. Few cities of our size have been so extensively portrayed as Uppsala. But hey – I understand! We live in a remarkably beautiful city that is well worth depicting.
Per Tärnström (1938–2022) was an artist who dedicated his life to portraying our city, but perhaps not in the same way as, for example, Gusten Widerbäck, Ellis Wallin or indeed Nito Vega. The classic Uppsala views are certainly present – the cathedral, the castle, the university building and the characteristic silhouette of Gustavianum. But what truly sets Tärnström apart is his way of depicting those parts of the city that might otherwise be overlooked.
With his slightly naïve yet very true-to-life style, Per Tärnström painted images of Uppsala that we do not always notice.
Per Tärnström would often take his easel, or his camera, to places in Uppsala that not everyone may have seen or paid attention to. In part also because many of these places have since been demolished or transformed. During the great demolition frenzy that swept Sweden in the mid-20th century, Uppsala was not spared. Sweden was to be modernised and crooked outbuildings and untidy courtyards were to be swept away for good. But on many occasions, just before the wrecking ball arrived, Per Tärnström would be there, painting precisely what was then deemed substandard and destined for demolition.
This unique collection from the artist's own family contains a large number of works representing his entire output. Here one finds everything from simpler watercolours to what can only be described as monumental works. But it is not always a sun-drenched, grand Uppsala that is on show. More often it is a rather windy and grey Uppsala, as it – if we are to be honest, and Tärnström was – usually is. Yet it is always depicted with great warmth and affection for his city.
We at Uppsala Auktionskammare are very pleased to present and shine a light on this collection from a somewhat overlooked but truly remarkable chronicler of Uppsala.We pass the Linnaeus Museum, the Botanical Garden, pause for a moment before Bengt Larsson's Marmor & Granitindustri AB at Svartbäcksgatan 41, savour the Jolinska "View from Järnbron Uppsala" before making our way down to the flames of that Walpurgis Night celebration Tärnström immortalised in 1990.

Welcome to the viewing!
Clara Kling, CEO Uppsala Auktionskammare