Helen Laird

Using the Swedish-born artists own journals and letters, Helen Laird writes a poignant biographical account of Carl Oscar Borg's life and achievements. Tracing his life from early beginnings in poverty in Sweden, we follow the aspiring young artist as he makes his way through France and England and eventually to the USA. For much of the time it is a struggle against poverty, at times destitution, until he eventually begins his slow move towards recognition and success. While he suffers misfortunes, these are far outweighed by the many opportunities which seem to fall at his feet; although reading the account one cannot help but think these opportunities only occurred in response to the obviously personable and very likeable handsome man that was Borg. We read time and again of those who were drawn to him in friendship from all walks of life; perhaps one of the most telling remarks relates to his time as a guest of Mrs Hearst: "Then he sat among the "noted" guests (they were usually eighteen at table), the servants hovering behind, as easily as he sat among bums or seal fishermen."

The text is illustrated with many back and white pictures, including photographs, oils and etchings, and following the text there are 32 pages of full colour plates. The book concludes with comprehensive Notes, Bibliography and Index.

This is a fascinating book, the account of Borg's life and his struggles makes for very moving reading, and the colour plates convey the scope of his work. The account also provides some insight into the art scene of the period generally, and particularly the West Coast art community. The quality of production maybe not up to today's standards, the colour plates being a little lack lustre; it is nonetheless a most valuable book to possess.… (plus d'informations)