Ib Spang Olsen
Ib Spang Olsen (June 11, 1921 – January 15, 2012) was a Danish writer and illustrator. Olsen was best known to generations of Danes for his cartoons and illustrations, many of with appeared in children's publications.[1] He was particularly known for providing the illustrations and drawings for a series of nursery rhyme books written by Halfdan Rasmussen, including "Halfdans ABC".[1][2] Olsen also authored his own children's books as well.[1] Olsen drew for newspapers, magazines, books, posters, television, and comics.[2]
Olsen was born in Østerbro, Copenhagen.[2] He first began working as a cartoonist in 1942 for the Hjemmets Søndag section of the Social-Demokraten, a trade union newspaper which is now called the Aktuelt.[2] He then enrolled in the Copenhagen Art Academy and the Graphic School from 1945 to 1949.[2] Olsen taught at Bernadotteskolen from 1952 to 1961.[2]
In 1972, Olsen was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award for illustrations.[1] He also received the Gyldendal Prize for Children’s Books in 2008.[1] He was an active member of the Academia Council, which is connected to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.[2] Olsen served on the Danish Ministry of Culture's committee on children and culture from 1982 to 1990.[2]
Olsen died in Copenhagen following a short illness on January 15, 2012, at the age of 90. His memorial service was held at the Marienborg Chapel on January 23rd.[1] He survived by his wife, artist, Nulle Øigaard; and his four children - Tine and Tune from his first marriage and Lasse and Martin from his second marriage to Øigaard.[2]