Bo Wretling

Biography

Wretling was born in Umeå in 1908, one of six children of the furniture manufacturer and artist Otto Wretling. He grew up within the family business, Firma Otto Wretling, where furniture making, craftsmanship and artistic production formed an important part of his early environment.

He completed his journeyman’s examination in cabinetmaking in 1929 and subsequently worked as a foreman responsible for the joinery workshop within the family company. This gave him extensive practical experience in woodworking and furniture production, continuing the craft tradition established by his father.

Alongside his work with furniture and interiors, Wretling developed a particular interest in musical instruments. He established himself as an instrument maker and became known especially for building guitars and lutes. His craftsmanship eventually earned him the distinction of becoming a supplier to the Swedish Royal Court.

In 1949, Wretling moved to Stockholm, where he continued his work independently. He established his own workshop and shop on Lidingö, producing handcrafted guitars and lutes while applying the cabinetmaking skills developed during his years in the family workshop.

Wretling's work reflects a broader Swedish craft tradition in which furniture making, decorative arts and specialist woodworking were closely connected. His knowledge of materials and construction allowed him to move between furniture and the more technically demanding field of instrument making.