VERA FERNGREN (1910-1998). Still life with textile, pot and apples, signed Vera Ferngren, watercolour.

57x46 cm.

HISTORY Kumla church village is what it says it is: a quiet village with a church in the middle, located about a mile outside Sala in Västmanland. The church itself with paintings by Albertus Pictor is probably its only known artistic connection of importance. But then you ignore Vera Ferngren. Vera was born Hallin in Stockholm in 1910 (died 1998) where she lived a withdrawn life in the home on Eriksdalsgatan that she shared with her parents, the fur seamstress Ebba and the tailor and stepfather Helmer. Every summer she spent several weeks with relatives in Husta on the outskirts of Kumla church village. Her parents were born from Ransta a village away.

After graduating from Technical School (later Konstfack) in 1929, Vera was employed by C. G. Hallbergs Guldsmedsaktiebolag. In 1961, she continued to Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB). In 1936-1948 she was also an employee of the Riksheraldikerämbetet. She also participated in exhibitions both in Sweden and internationally.

Vera Ferngren was an artist whose works in gold, silver, nickel silver, pewter and stainless steel were intended for factory production.

She also created (like Albertus Pictor) unique works for many Swedish churches – silver pieces for profane and sacred purposes. In a church context, the christening gifts Måns and Mia are also still available for purchase.

And speaking of uniqueness. At Crafoord Auktioner Stockholm, we are pleased to now be able to offer around 30 watercolors and show a never before publicly seen side of Vera Ferngren - as a painting artist.