The Swenglish Home

My darling...

That is how my great grandfather's letter to my great grandmother starts, "Älskade vännen -My darling". The year was 1916 and the letter is filled with warmth, with the longing to be together again - as my great grandmother had had to go away for a little while to, I think, take care of some relatives - and the sharing of everyday details of family life with the children at home.

When I was given this letter, together with a few others my grandmother had kept, I instinctively felt that I did not want them to just float around in a box somewhere, soon to be forgotten and possibly even lost. Just like the photo of my grandparents transfered onto a linen cushion, my great grandparents are invited to peer into the life of their descendants, anno 2010, from a framed version of the letter, from a candle, and since a few days ago also from an Easter egg.



Some people may find it strange or even inappropriate to use old photos and letters from family members like this. To me, it feels like an OK thing to do. In fact, more than OK. It is a lovely family reunion, where no one has to leave.