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The Hans Hansen name is synonomus with superb twentieth century Scandinavian silver jewellery design, and their modernist jewellery designs are much prized by vintage jewellery collectors and enthusiasts today.
Born in 1884 in Kolding, Denmark, Hans Hansen grew up amidst the rich cultural heritage of Scandinavia.
From a young age, he was drawn to the world of art and craftsmanship, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty of simplicity and functionality.
His formal education at the Copenhagen Technical School equipped him with the skills necessary to transform his passion into a career.
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Above: Hans Hansen silver boomerang brooch 113
In 1906 He founded the Hans Hansen workshop on the Jutland Peninsula in Denmark.
He made mostly holloware until he was successful enough to proceed with starting a line of jewellery.
The jewellery was successful and the firm went on to become well known for superb Scandinavian modernist design.
Hans Hansen designs were deeply influenced by the Scandinavian Modernist movement, known for its minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on form and function.
This movement celebrated clean lines, organic shapes, and the harmonious blend of form and material.
Hansen's work embodied these principles, reflecting a balance between elegance and practicality, a hallmark of Danish jewellery design.
The choice of materials played a crucial role in Hans Hansen's creations.
Silver, renowned for its luster and versatility, was a staple in his designs, allowing him to craft intricate yet durable pieces.
Hansen's silver necklaces, bracelets, brooches, and cufflinks showcased his mastery in transforming a simple material into works of art.
Each piece carried a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship that appealed to discerning jewellery enthusiasts.
Above: Rare Hans Hansen silver bracelet
The firm also exhibited at the Nordisk Handcraft Exhibit in Paris in 1958 and 1965, and in London in 1958 at the Danish Design Show at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
His work is represented in the major museums in New York and Europe.
Karl Gustav Hansen (Hans Hansen's son) had left school at 16 and worked as an apprectice with silversmith Einer Olson before also apprenticing with his father.
In 1932 Hans Hansen asked him to design a new jewellery line. Karl designed a range of 50 pins, earrings, and rings, called "Future" which were unlike anything designed in Denmark at that time.
It was given the slightly derogatory term "Funkis" (for Funky functionalism) however it sold successfully well into the Forties.
Above: Karl Gustav Hansen 14 karat yellow gold ring
In 1935 Karl Hansen was awarded the silver medal which was the highest award in the apprenticeship system in Denmark . He then enrolled at the Danish Academy of Fine Arts.
Above: Karl Gustav Hansen bracelet, circa 1930.
After studying and also travelling in Italy in 1939 Karl Gustav returned home to work with his father.
In May 1940 Karl had his own first major exhibition of work in Copenhagen.
Sadly his father Hans Hansen died shortly after this at only 56 years of age. This meant that from 1940 Kal Gustav at 25 years old was leading the Hans Hansen workshop.
From the fifties he mostly focused on holloware production.
Above: Hans Hansen silver bracelet 1960's
Around the 1950's the jewellery design was left in the hands of Bent Gabrielsen Pedersen who became the artistic director from 1962.
Other designers were also employed by the firm. These included Eigil Jensen, Bent Knudsen and Ole Bent Pedersen. By the 1980's Allan Scharffe became lead designer.
In 1991 The Hans Hansen firm was taken over by Royal Copenhagen who also acquired Georg Jensen.
Above: Hans Hansen silver necklace designed by Bent Gabriel Peterson
The Hans Hansen signature was generally "HaH", the scripted "Hans Hansen" signature or an H within and H. The size of the piece determined what signature was used and individual designers were not noted on the pieces
Hans Hansen's influence on jewellery design extends beyond his own creations.
His work inspired subsequent generations of jewellery designers, encouraging them to explore new forms and materials while maintaining a commitment to craftsmanship and quality.
The values of simplicity, precision, and innovation that Hansen championed continue to shape the landscape of modern jewellery design worldwide.
