This is today one of the most well known works of art in Sweden, it is also one of our most famous symbols! It can also possibly be one of the most reproduced works of art in the world.
The "Solstickan Foundation" was established in 1936. The basic idea was that the match was a cheap product and hardly anyone would refrain from buying them if they increased the price by half a penny per box. Especially if you knew the money went to a worthy purpose. Over the years, more than SEK 100 million have been distributed "For the benefit of children and the elderly" as it appeares on the match boxes.
In the early days private initiatives had to fill immediate gaps in society's aid activities. A large part of the funds went to the children's summer camp activities for city children who needed to come out to swim and play. But when welfare subsequently expanded, Solstickan became increasingly complementary to community resources. Early focus is therefore on children with learning disabilities, visual and hearing impairment, diabetes and rheumatism.
The artist Einar Nerman was commissioned to design the label for the box and created the "Solstickepojken". He used his son Tom as a model.
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