Helmer Osslund was a northerner who remained faithful to his home area but found inspiration far beyond Sweden's borders. During his lifetime, he came to be called "the uncrowned king of the northern expanses" for his obvious ability to capture the essence of the beautiful and slightly exotic Swedish nature in the north.

Helmer was born in Medelpad with a surname that was then spelled Åslund, and grew up in an artistically gifted family as the eldest of several siblings. His father Daniel Åslund was a surveyor but, in addition to his profession, devoted himself to painting and was also a diligent writer. Helmer's younger siblings also came to work in creative professions and within the family, culture and history were important...