Carl Johan Trygg, formally Carl Johan Thrygg, also knowns as C. J. Trygg, woodcarver, (1887 – 1954) was one of the recognized masters of twentieth century woodcarving, most famous for 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.

Early years

Carl Johan Trygg was born in 1887 in Skagershult, Närke, Örebro county, Sweden. He was one of nine children of S. Sgt Carl Oskar Thrygg. At the age of 12 he left his home to make a living on his own. He worked as a clockmaker, a shoemaker, he also worked in a laundry, and a logging mill. He began carving wooden figures of various common people in the Scandinavian flat-plane style of woodcarving.

He married Maria Axelina Andersson in 1909. A year later she gave birth to their son Carl Olaf Trygg. In 1915 at the age of 28, he had a show of his carvings in Stockholm, Sweden. It was after the success at this show he began wood carving as a full-time career.

Migrating to Canada

Carl Johan, at the age of 40, immigrated to Canada. He arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada on March 3, 1928. Later that year (October 7, 1928) his Wife Maria (43), his sons Carl Olof (17) and Nils Johan (13), and his daughter, Kally Maria Trygg (8) arrived in Halifax. Carl Johan and his family eventually settled in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and there they continued to carve.

Carl Johan's three sons, Nils, Lars and Carl Olaf were also woodcarvers. Another relative, Ellen Trygg also carved figures in the flat plane style. Her pieces are few and far between but the hobo motif is the theme of known pieces. 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 1954-02-12 in Glimminge, Västra Karup, Sweden and Carl Olof, was producing figures well into the 1980s and he died in 1993-03-01 in Halmstad, Sweden.

Examples of carvings

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  Woodcarving of a hobo By Carl Johan Trygg circa 1940s
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  Closeup of face Woodcarving of a hobo By Carl Johan Trygg circa 1940s

The legacy

Notes

1. ^ Carl Johan Trygg was born Carl Johan Thrygg. It is unknown why Carl Johan dropped the "h" from his family name.
2. ^ "Library and Archives Canada". Immigration Records (1925-1935). Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2005.

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 19 September 2020.
• "Wood Carving Illustrated". Editor's World (Roger Schroeder). Archived from the original on 2003-01-24. Retrieved 24 January 2003.
• "Wood Carving Illustrated". Editor's World (Roger Schroeder). Archived from the original on 2003-02-25. Retrieved 25 February 2003.
• "Item: Carl Johan Trygg". www.bac-lac.gc.ca. Library and Archives Canada. 22 May 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2020.