Astrid Lindgren's first book about Emil in Lönneberga with Björn Berg's drawings came out in 1963 and was quickly loved by everyone.
Emil and his wife are fun, both for children and adults, but Emil stands for more than that. He has become a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and business sense. He has an incredible ability to absorb information and in many areas he has great knowledge. And he uses it.
His concern for the weak and the courage to stand up when needed, although it may be associated with difficulties and discomfort, is something to note. Like Emil, we probably all need a moment's privacy to think. And so little luck of course, you have to have that.
Having such a nice guy as a sculpture in Lönneberga is a great joy for Hultsfred municipality!
We are very grateful to Astrid Lindgren for giving us Emil and all his kind and good qualities. She also thought it was good that he would become a sculptor in Lönneberga.
Björn Berg (1923-2008) is a valued artist. His completely irresistible drawings are executed with great detail and a skill and ease that impress. His drawings not only complement the text they illustrate but are in their own works of art.
Björn's son Torbjörn Berg is a versatile artist, theater man and scenographer with great craftsmanship. From Björn Berg's model in miniature he has worked out the sculpture in natural size and done the great sculpture work. Incidentally, it was Torbjörn who had to model Emil when he was a little parvel.
So Björn and Torbjörn Berg made sure Emil got home to Lönneberga and now you are welcome to greet him in his carpenter's cabin. Feel free to sell a wooden guy and leave it with him.
On May 27, 1998, the sculpture was inaugurated by Emil in Lönneberga.