Press release -
A Century of “Döderhultarn” – An Auction Tribute to Sweden’s Master Woodcarver
In 2025, Sweden marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of Axel Petersson, known to the world as “Döderhultarn.” Throughout the year, the city of Oskarshamn has been celebrating the memory of its most famous son — and Thelin & Johansson Auction House now joins in with a special themed auction dedicated to the legendary woodcarver.
The auction features 47 wooden figures across 20 lots, including full groups such as The Wedding, The Military Conscription, and The Auction, along with beloved classics like Cow with Milkmaid and Herd Boy with Calf.
Döderhultarn, a divinely gifted sculptor, lived his entire life in Oskarshamn, where he was known as something of an eccentric — he was said to wear galoshes to protect himself from lightning. But it was his carvings that made him famous: lifelike, full of movement and personality, each one carved with humor, empathy, and an unerring sense of humanity. Today, his works are highly sought after, and an opportunity to see — let alone acquire — such a large collection is exceptionally rare.
“It’s something truly special to be able to present so many of Döderhultarn’s figures during this centennial year — and here in his hometown,” says Joacim Andersson, specialist at Thelin & Johansson Auction House.
“For a few weeks, we’re not just an auction house, but a temporary museum honoring an artist whose work never goes out of time.”
The auction runs through November 9, and all items can be viewed online here.
Press Contacts:
Joacim Andersson – Specialist, Thelin & Johansson Auction House
📞 +46 (0)491 160 00 | ✉️ joacim@ahtj.se
Andreas Siesing – PR Manager, Auctionet
📞 +46 (0)702 18 22 74 | ✉️ andreas@auctionet.com
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