Rudolf Åkerblom (1851-1925) was the youngest of eight in a family which lived at a succession of addresses in Helsinki. Besides being a promising pupil, Åkerblom showed a talent for drawing. His school was in the Willstedt building, on the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Mikonkatu street. When his schooling came to an end at the age of fourteen Åkerblom was top of his class.

Later he worked as a cartographer meanwhile taking drawing classes in the Art Society. He also won a scholarship to study in Germany for a year. Åkerblom also produced illustrations for books and journals. His drawings can be found in the first Finnish edition of the children's album "Kuvia Suomen lasten elämästä" ('Pictures from the life of a Finnish child'), published in 1882.