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Sahlströmsgården is located
in a beautiful setting by
Lake Sirsjön in Utterbyn, just
north of Torsby. The Northern
Värmland landscape is still
open here, with billowing
fields in every direction.
Sahlströmsgården,
Utterbyn,
Torsby
– I grew up with the artists who came here
for inspiration and recreation, says Bengt
Sahlström, who in recent years has opened
up and taken Sahlströmsgården to a new
level together with his wife Ann Katrin.
– They weren’t like everyone else. They
had new ideas and were ahead of their
time, doing things completely in their own
way.
Per Sahlström was a farmer
with large
holdings who fathered ten children in the
latter part of the 19th century, a group
of siblings who in many respects had a
different idea of how life should be led,
compared to other people at the turn
of the 19th century. The children were
generous, and artists within reach of their
hospitality were welcomed with open
arms. The farm became a popular place
for art and recreation for cultural figures
from Sweden and other parts of Europe.
Here they had a place to stay and found
Sahlströmsgården
The unique
stories
of the artists
come alive at Sahlströmsgården
room to focus on their art. There are many
intriguing stories originating from here.
Today, Bengt Sahlström and his
wife Ann Katrin run the farm and are
developing the tourist side of the business.
Guided tours, restaurant, shop and a
newly opened hotel provide the right set-
ting for a few enjoyable days in Utterbyn.
– We have over 5,000 old letters that
give an insight to life here and in other
parts of Europe during the first half of
the 20th century, he says. Using the
farmhouse, its interior and all the art
that’s collected here as a background, I’m
happy to share these stories. The gossip of
the times is gripping.
So far, Bengt Sahlström
has only
managed to go through a fraction of
the letters and other material that have
been kept over the years. There is more
to be discovered. And the writers are
not unknown figures, for example Carl
Wilhelmson, Ivan Aguéli, Karl Nordström,
Richard Bergh, Einar Nerman, Siri
Derkert, Mollie Faustmann, Vera Nilsson,
Harriet Sundström, Nanna Johansen and
the family’s very own Anna Sahlström.
Their travels and life stories make for
fascinating listening even for those who
do not know a lot about art. The time
period when they were active contains an
interesting piece of social history.
– It’s these letters that give Sahlströms-
gården Farm its identity; without them I
AHLSTRÖMSGÅRDEN
Sahlströmsgården
in Utterbyn, Torsby:
A cultural oasis and
historical place by the
shores of Lake Sirsjön
where artists and other
storytellers would meet.
Guided tours of the
old farmhouse with a
permanent exhibition of
works by artists in the
Sahlström family and
their friends. Restaurant,
conference facilities and
banquet hall. New hotel
with 30 double rooms
with a personal feel.
Shop.
60 | naturally
