Ystad skulpturpark

A square located in front of the Ystad’s railway station and with the town’s Art Museum behind it almost demands a work of art. For many years, the square – S:t Knuts torg – with its paved surface evoked a dull impression. It was not until 1974 that the sculpture Ada lightened the atmosphere of the square. She was also given some decorative flowerbeds around her. But, the unveiling was preceded by a long-drawn-out dialogue. Nils Olsson, Art Curator and Director of Tourism, had spotted Ada in the artist’s studio and thought she would be very suitable for the square. There was a series of negotiations with the heirs about the price. Ystad Municipality felt she was too expensive. In the end, after some haggling, they agreed on a price and since then Ada has been one of Ystad residents’ favourites. In 1995, a proposal to move Ada prompted loud protests in Ystad. The local newspaper, Ystads Allehanda, exclaimed: “Don’t touch our little Ada!”

Stig Blomberg started his training at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm in 1919. His talent led to a scholarship that could finance extensive studies abroad. In his time, he was one of Sweden’s most commissioned sculptors for public art in urban settings. He often used children and young people as motifs. His work often radiates the joy of life and wholesomeness, themes he shared with many other sculptors of his generation. He collaborated for a short period with the company, Ystad Metall, where in 1936 he created a bronze statuette that is well known in the town, Fritidsflickan (Active Girl). She also radiated health according to the ideal of the time.

Stig Blomberg also worked as a book illustrator.