“A Bell for Ursli” struck in Gold
On 26 May the Federal Mint Swissmint has released the “A Bell for Ursli” gold coin, a tribute to the work of the Grisons painter and graphic artist Alois Carigiet.
The story of “Schellen-Ursli” has fascinated children and adults alike for over 60 years. Now the Federal Mint Swissmint has chosen the much-loved picture-book character as its subject for the 2011 gold coin. The special minting has a face value of 50 Swiss francs and is available now in “proof coin” quality.
The special coin draws its inspiration from one of Switzerland’s best-known children’s books. Written in rhyme by Selina Chönz and illustrated by Alois Carigiet, the “A Bell for Ursli” tale first appeared in 1945. Since then, generations of children have accompanied the little boy Ursli on his hazardous journey to the Alpine hut to fetch the big cowbell. And they have shared in his delight when with the largest bell, he was finally able to lead the traditional Engadine Chalandamarz parade.
Alois Carigiet is born in Trun (Grisons) in 1902. After a apprenticeship as a painter and decorative designer in an advertising studio in Chur, he worked as a freelance commercial artist in Zurich, producing theatre scenery and posters. He was one of the founders of the legendary Cabaret Cornichon where he was responsible for scenery, costumes and advertising. In 1939, Alois Carigiet withdrew to Platenga in the commune of Obersaxen where he worked as a freelance artist. Alois Carigiet died in Trun in 1985.