Carl Olof Trygg

Carl Olof Trygg, woodcarver, (1910–1993) was one of the recognized masters of 20th century woodcarving, most famous for Scandinavian flat-plane style of woodcarving.

Trygg was born 1910-12-21 in Stora Tuna, Kopparberg county, Dalarna, Sweden. He was one of three son of Carl Johan Trygg and Maria Axelina Andersson. Carl Olof worked with his father carving wooden figures of various common people in the Scandinavian flat-plane style of woodcarving. Between C. O. Trygg, his father (Carl Johan) and two brothers (Nils, and Lars), they carved over 10,000 figures. Many of his carvings were sold to tourists for approximately $10.00 USD. Adjusted for inflation what cost $10.00 in 1929 would cost $108.05 in 2005.

Migrating to Canada

Immigration record
Surname: Trygg
Given name: Karl Olof
Age: 17
Sex: M
Nationality: Swe
Date of arrival: 1928/10/07 (YYYY/MM/DD)
Port of arrival: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ship: STOCKHOLM, Swedish American
Reference: RG76 - IMMIGRATION, series C-1-b
Volume: 1928 volume 13
Page: 109
Microfilm reel: T-14816

Carl Olof, at the age of 17, immigrated to Canada with his mother Maria (43), brother Nils Johan (13) and an unknown relative, possibly his sister, Kally Maria Trygg (8) arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 7, 1928. He was proceeded in immigrating by his father Carl Johan who arrived in Halifax on 3 March 1928.

The Trygg family eventually settled in Montreal, Canada and there they continued to carve. Together they carved thousands of figures in the Scandinavian flat-plane style of woodcarving. Between C. J. Trygg and his sons they carved over 10,000 figures. Many of his carvings were sold to tourists for approximately $10.00 USD. Adjusted for inflation what cost $10.00 in 1929 would cost $108.05 in 2005.

Trygg was a craftsman in tune to the tourist trade. Trygg generally carved solo figures from basswood or pine, and mounted them on a base. He had a stylized execution with clean cuts, working from a single piece of wood. A highlight of Trygg’s carvings is his use of vibrant paint. He often painted his character’s clothing in plaid.

Return to Sweden

Carl Johan Trygg and Carl Olof Trygg eventually returned to Sweden, where they continued their careers. Carl Johan died there 1954 and Carl Olof, based on the dates on his carvings, was producing figures as late as 1987.

Examples of carvings

Closeup of face Woodcarving of a hobo By Carl Olof Trygg circa 1961

The legacy

Trygg family of woodcarvers

Carl Johan Trygg (1877–1954)
Carl Olof Trygg (1910–1993)
Nils Johan Trygg (1914 – 1951)
Lars Trygg

Trygg family woodcarvings are still sought after today as collectibles. There are over 10,000 carved figures that were manufactured by the members of the Trygg family. Prices range from $50 to $500 depending upon the age, size, and condition of the piece.

Identifying Trygg woodcarvings

Trygg woodcarvings can be identified by the signatures and dates on the bases.

Signatures commonly found are:

Trygg carved on base. — Carl Johan Trygg (Generally)
C.J. Trygg — Carl Johan Trygg
C.O. Trygg — Carl Olof Trygg
L. Trygg — Lars Trygg
N. E. Trygg — Nils Trygg
Hand Carved by Trygg — Carl Johan Trygg or Carl Olof, Lars, or Nils
Carved by Trygg Jr. — Carl Olof, Lars, or Nils

Most of the carvings are dated and include the location carved. For example, you may find a carving with "C.O. Trygg 1961 Sweden" meaning it was carved by Carl Olof Trygg in 1961 while he was living in Sweden.

Carl Olof Trygg signature
Lars Trygg signature

Notes

^ "Library and Archives Canada". Immigration Records (1925-1935). Retrieved November 18, 2005.
^ Carl Olof Trygg was lised on the immigration record as Karl Olof Trygg. This is most likely due to the poor legibility of the original indexes. The signature used on woodcarvings he produced is C. O. Trygg (Carl-Olof Trygg).

References

Refsal, Harley (2003). "Trygg Family: Prolific Carvers". Wood Carving Illustrated Fall (24): 61–65.
Refsal, Harley (1992). Woodcarving in the Scandinavian Style. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., New York, New York. p. 128. ISBN 0-8069-8633-6.
"Little Shavers Wood Carving Supply". A Brief History of North American Caricature Carving. Retrieved October 2005.
"Wood Carving Illustrated". Editor's World (Roger Schroeder). Retrieved January 2003.
"Wood Carving Illustrated". Editor's World (Roger Schroeder). Retrieved February 2003.
"Library and Archives Canada". Immigration Records (1925-1935). Retrieved November 2005.

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