Swedish painter, Gustav Wolmar, produced spirited portraits, landscapes and scenes imbued with the vibrancy of his own experiences. A well-travelled man, he continually looked for inspiration from within his surroundings, often painting local views and villages. His style was expressive yet also constrained by good composition and harmonious colours.

Today, Wolmar is represented in several public collections including the Moderna Museet, Statens Museum for Kunst, and the Göteborgs konstmuseum.

1880

Born in Kristinehamn, Sweden. His mother worked as a seamstress and his father, who was engaged to another woman, was a client of her employer’s. This ‘scandal’ led to Gustav being adopted.

1895

Studied at a painting workshop and also at Karlstad’s technical school.

His adoptive father encouraged him to seek well-paid employment and sent him to Stockholm, which created tension between them. Before too long, Gustav reached out to his biological father who began to support him financially.

1898

Studied briefly in England at business school.

Changed his surname to Wolmar.

Decided to pursue a career as an artist and travelled to Munich.

1900-1901

Admitted to the Academy of Fine Arts, Stockholm and also studied at L. Schmid-Reutte’s art school.

1901

Travelled to Italy and met the Danish artist, John Rohde who encouraged him to join Zahrtmann's School in Copenhagen.

1902-1904

Travelled to Copenhagen to study under Kristian Zahrtmann who was so impressed by the young man that he taught him for free.

1905

Received a scholarship from Kristian Zahrtmann.

Lived in Stockholm.

1906-1907

Worked at a studio owned by Johan Rohde, creator of the Free Exhibition, which was free of censorship and championed independence.

1909

Represented at Rohde’s Free Exhibition for the first time. Between 1909-1972, he exhibited 48 times.

1912

Sold a work to the Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen.

1914

Served in Vaxholm's grenadier regiment.

1916

Married Laura Matilde Lund.

1917

Birth of first son, Klas. The family were living in Vordingborg , Zealand.

1918

Received a scholarship from Kristian Zahrtmann.

1920

First solo exhibition at the Art Association, Copenhagen.

1924

First solo exhibition in Sweden.

1925

Received a large scholarship from Ester Lindahl, which enabled a move to the south of France with his family. They stayed for five years - also travelling to Paris and Italy.

1930

Moved to Charlottenlund, Denmark.

1931

Received a scholarship from Kristian Zahrtmann.

1943

Received a scholarship from Kristian Zahrtmann.

Exhibited at the Modern Konst gallery in Malmo.

1946

Exhibited at Malmo Museum. A retrospective of 84 works.

1951

Awarded the accolade of Knight of the First Class of the Royal Order of the North Star.

1961

Retrospective exhibition by the Art Association in Copenhagen

1965

Following a brain haemorrhage, he spent his final years confined to bed where he was cared for by his wife.

1971

Died and laid to rest in Copenhagen.