In The Hague, Netherlands, in 1959, Birgitta Hansson was one of the first members inducted into the new Bailliage of Sweden after her husband, Sven A Hansson, was influential in its creation.

Not one to sit in her husband’s shadow, Birgitta was promoted to Bailli of Stockholm in 1982 after a few years as Vice-Conseiller Gastronomique. She formed a board with only women which was quite extraordinary at that time.

In 1984 she was promoted to Bailli Délégué, a position she held until 1991 when she was elected onto the Conseil Magistral.

Throughout the 80s and 90s she also contributed extensively to the Chaîne’s Swedish membership magazine - writing about cookbooks, gastronomy and food from different cultures - all subjects that are close to her heart.

She owns hundreds of books about food, meals and cooking and loves to read cookbooks - like other people read novels - from the first to the last page. Cookbooks, she says, are often exciting, funny and very inspiring.

In Birgitta’s professional career she spent 30 years as a senior administrative officer at the University of Stockholm, during which time she secured a bachelor’s degree in social science as well as art and theatre studies.

Fondest Chaîne memory: an early morning trip with Bocuse and Chapel to buy produce for their restaurants from a local market, followed by an espresso and a glass of liqueur at a nearby café.

With thanks to the following for their help in compiling this article:
- Barbro Henning, Chancelier
- Carita Wallman Larsson, Bailli Délégué Honoraire
- Margareta Henry, Chargée de Missions Honoraire

Ed. This article was first published in the 2020 edition of the Revue internationale de la Chaîne

Captions from top to bottom ...
1. Birgitta being inducted in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1959.
2. Tore Wretman & Birgitta.
3. Birgitta (right) in 1981 with a fellow National Council member.
4. Birgitta receiving her 60-year Haut Commandeur Award at the Grand Chapitre in Stockholm on August 31, 2019.