Background
Helena Isberg was born at Säby in Tranås in Småland. Her father was a cabinet maker. Isberg was tutored by her father to cabinet makery, lathing and carving, and was to become famous for her wood carving.
Helena Isberg was born at Säby in Tranås in Småland. Her father was a cabinet maker. Isberg was tutored by her father to cabinet makery, lathing and carving, and was to become famous for her wood carving.
Also known as Jungfru Isberg (Maiden Isberg). In 1847, her work was exhibited in Stockholm, and made a success. She was asked to move to Stockholm, the professor Carl Gustaf Qvarnström (1810–1867) offered her a scholarship to study at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts, Queen Josephine offered her an allowance of $200, but she declined every offer.
A contemporary writer wrote about her: She preferred to stay in the poor hut where she was born, and remained in the bosom of the poverty which had surrounded her cradle.
On one occasion, King Charles XV of Sweden, upon a visit in Motala, expressed a wish to see Isberg. She was sent for by message to her cottage, but Helena Isberg answered, that if the King wished to see her, then he would have to come to her.
Number meeting took place, but Charles also admired her and also purchased her work.