Gunnar Tallberg

Gunnar Tallberg was the eldest son of the merchant Julius Tallberg. In 1921, after his father’s death, he took over the company together with his younger brother Bertil. Gunnar became the CEO of Ab Julius Tallberg Oy, managing the main store and other ancillary operations. In 1928 he gave way as CEO for Bertil due to his deteriorating health. Gunnar died three years later.

In 1907, he married the English-born Clara Louisa Blackbourn. The couple had three daughters living in the Art Nouveau villa named Jugendhuvila Cottage, which was built by Gunnar Tallberg in 1910. After his father’s death he took over the nearby Lauttasaari Manor on the island of the same name, now a part of Helsinki.

Together with his brother Bertil, Gunnar Tallberg was a member of the crew of the Finnish boat “Lucky Girl” in the 8 metres class at the 1912 Olympic Games. After placing fifth and second in the first two races, the boat lost the match-race for second place against the Swedish yacht “Sans Atout” by one minute. The crew had to settle for bronze.