Ragnar Ostberg

(b. Vaxholm, Sweden 1866; d. Stockholm, Sweden 1945)

Ragnar Ostberg was born in Vaxholm, Sweden in 1866. He studied at the Royal Institute of Technology and at the Royal Academy of Arts, both in Stockholm. After studying the vernacular architecture of Sweden, he travelled widely, drawing works of great architecture. During his career, he worked as a stage designer, painter, etcher and professor at the Swedish College of Arts.

Influenced by English as well as Swedish traditions Ostberg started his architectural practice as a designer of private houses. Although to some extent an eclecticist, Ostberg thoroughly despised the architecture of the nineteenth century. Often considered the leading Swedish National Romantic architect, he always looked upon architecture as an art, created by talented individuals like himself.

Although his commissions were limited, his Stockholm Town Hall has been described as one of the greatest buildings of the century. Although his reputation declined when functionalism became popular, he has regained some of his earlier recognition. He received Gold Medals from both the AIA and RIBA.

Ostberg died in Stockholm in 1945.

References
Dennis Sharp. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Architects and Architecture. New York: Quatro Publishing, 1991. ISBN 0-8230-2539-X. NA40.I45. p116.

Adolf K Placzek. Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects. Vol. 3. London: The Free Press, 1982. ISBN 0-02-925000-5. NA40.M25. p329-330.

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