Ilon Wikland
A legendary illustrator of children’s books
Ilon Wikland is an Estonian-born Swedish artist and illustrator. In 1944 she escaped the Soviet occupation of Estonia and arrived in Sweden as a 14-year-old refugee. She was later educated at Swedish art school Konstfack and in 1953 Wikland applied for a job as an illustrator at publisher Rabén & Sjögren, where she started working with Astrid Lindgren.
Ilon and Astrid worked together for many years and Ilon has illustrated some of Astrid’s most appreciated works like The Children of Noisy Village, Madicken, Karlsson on the roof, Ronja the Robber’s daughter and many more.
Interested in a collaboration with Ilon Wikland?
Rights & Brands is the master agent for Wikland’s licensing and publishing rights. Get in touch!
Anna Svenman
Nordic Retail Manager
Ilon Wikland News
+100 Books illustrated
by Ilon Wikland
Over 50 000 followers
on Social Media
Illustrator for Astrid Lindgren
Ilon WIkland has illustrated most of Astrid Lindgren’s books
About Ilon Wikland
Ilon Wikland is one of Sweden’s most popular illustrators of children’s books. Strangely enough, Wikland is rather unknown to the general public, despite the fact that she illustrated the beloved figures in the majority of Astrid Lindgren’s most-read books. Ilon Wikland is a versatile artist whose pictures span a wide range, from the safe idyll on Troublemaker Street to the breathtaking black depths at the Karma Falls in The Brothers Lionheart.
Wikland came as a refugee to Sweden from Estonia during the Second World War and was later trained at the art school Konstfack in Stockholm. In addition to Astrid Lindgren’s books, she has also illustrated many other authors’ works, including Edith Unnerstad’s children’s books, as well as written and illustrated her own children’s books.
Ilon Wikland has been awarded awards, prizes and other honors for her artistry and collective output. But the road to success was long and sometimes very dramatic.
Rights & Brands represents the joint works of Astrid Lindgren and Ilon Wikland and Ilon’s personal art bank. It offers a treasure trove of illustrations in various techniques, with over 1,000 images in the style guide. Please contact us for any publishing, licensing, or image enquiries.
– Ilon Wikland“Light, air, warmth, feeling and colour. That’s when the image comes alive.”
Ilon Wikland Brands
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Exhibition at Gothenburg Museum of Art
From May 25th, 2024, to January 12th, 2025, the Gothenburg Museum of Art showcased one of Ilon Wikland’s largest exhibitions in Sweden to date – Ilon Wikland’s visual worlds. Fairytales, adventures and everyday life. With over 400 original works, visitors will be given a unique insight into Ilon Wikland’s artistry – from the magic in Mio, My Son to adventures in Ronja the Robber’s Daughter and everyday life in Lotta on Troublemaker Street. The public was invited to participate in a playful environment that showcased Wikland’s rich visual worlds and encouraged children to explore.
Ilon’s Wonderland in Haapsalu
Ilon’s Wonderland is a theme center for children and families. The Wonderland is located in Haapsalu, Estonia, and features the largest collection of original artworks by Ilon Wikland.
In 2004 Ilon Wikland donated 800 of her book illustrations to the Estonian government. Two years later “Ilons Wonderland” opened in Haapsalu, very close to what used to be her grandmother’s house and where she lived for a long time during her childhood.
Previous Collaborations
Ilon Wikland by Rebel Walls
Astrid Lindgren & Ilon Wikland by PO.P
Astrid Lindgren & Ilon Wikland by Rätt Start
