Sven Nordqvist

Sven Nordqvist, born in 1946 in the beautiful city of Helsingborg, is a prominent Swedish children's book author and illustrator who has conquered many hearts with his beloved books about Pettson and Findus.

As a 15-year-old, Sven immersed himself in the art of illustration through an American distance learning course. Despite applying to various art schools, he encountered rejection. He then decided to study as an architect at Lund University of Technology. After completing his studies, he worked for two years in the architectural profession, one year as an architect and then as a teacher at Lund University of Technology. Nordqvist began his career as a cartoonist at an advertising agency in Halmstad and then continued to illustrate textbooks, create posters, greeting cards and Christmas cards. He gave life to four reference books and also some novels. In addition, he executed etchings and other graphic works of art.

The year 1982 was a pivotal moment when Bokförlaget Opal organised a picture book competition that Sven Nordqvist won with his book "Agaton Öman och alfabetet" (Agaton Öman and the Alphabet). However, the big breakthrough came with his next book, "Pannkakstårtan" (The Pancake Pie), when the world was introduced for the first time to the beloved character Pettson and his cat Findus.

At Ekelund, Sven Nordqvist's characters Pettson and Findus hold a special place on our textiles and are cherished by both young and old alike.