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Hans Christensen (silversmith)

Hans Christensen
Born
Hans Jørgen Thorvald Christensen

(1924-01-21)January 21, 1924[1]
Copenhagen, Denmark
DiedJanuary 16, 1983(1983-01-16) (aged 58)
Henrietta, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s)Master silversmith, metalsmith, jeweler, designer, educator
EmployerRochester Institute of Technology
Spouse(s)Astrid Elizabeth "Betten" Sandum (m. 1953–1965; divorce)
Elizabeth "Els" Meijer (m. 1968–1983; death)

Hans Jørgen Thorvald Christensen (1924–1983) was a Danish-born American master silversmith, metalsmith, jeweler, designer, and educator.[2] In the second half of the 20th century, he was a major contributor to handcrafted silver design in the United States.[3]

Christensen taught at Rochester Institute of Technology for many years and held the Charlotte Fredericks Mowris Professorship in Contemporary Crafts.[2] In 1979, he was honored as a Fellow of the American Craft Council.[2][4] He is the namesake of the Society of American Silversmiths' Hans Christensen Sterling Silversmith's Award.

Early life and education

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Hans Jørgen Thorvald Christensen was born on January 21, 1924, in Copenhagen, Denmark, to parents Valborg (née Makkenbol) and Holger Christensen.[5]

He attended the Tegne- og Kunstindustriskolen (English: Arts and Crafts School; now known as Danmarks Designskole) in Copenhagen and the National School for Arts and Crafts (Norwegian: Statens håndverks- og kunstindustriskole; now known as Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry) in Oslo.[2][5]

Career

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Christensen started his career early in 1939, when he worked at Georg Jensen Sølvsmedie (English: Georg Jensen Silversmithy), lasted there for 10 years.[2][5] In 1944, he completed his basic apprenticeship with a journeyman’s project.[1] Christensen created a notable silver tea pot, which received two silver medallion awards from King Frederik IX of Denmark.[1]

In 1954, Christensen immigrated to the United States to teach metalsmithing and jewelry making at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York.[5] John Prip had recommended Christensen for the job role.[6] Christensen worked at RIT until his death in 1983.[2] He had many notable students, including silversmith William Nicholas Frederick (1921–2012).[7]

He died in a car accident on January 16, 1983, in Henrietta, New York.[2] Christensen's work can be found in various collections including the Vatican Museums papal art collection, and in multiple collections for European royal families.[2]

Personal life

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From 1953 to 1965, Christensen was married to Astrid Elizabeth "Betten" Sandum.[5] From 1968 until 1983, the time of his death, Christensen was married to Elizabeth "Els" Meijer.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Sandretto, Thomas M. "Hans Christensen Biography". SAS.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Hans Christensen, 58, Teacher Of Metalsmithing and Design". The New York Times. 1983-01-18. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  3. ^ "Keno Auctions Offers Rare Silver From the Estate of Elisabeth Christensen, Wife of Master Silversmith Hans Christensen". ArtfixDaily. September 22, 2011.
  4. ^ "College of Fellows". American Craft Council. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Mundy, Sarah (2018). "A Finding Aid to the Hans Christensen Papers, 1924-1989, bulk 1955-1983, in the Archives of American Art" (PDF). Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-12-15.
  6. ^ Ramljak, Suzanne; Smith, Paul J. (2010). Breaking Ground: A Century of Craft Art in Western New York. Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester. p. 37. ISBN 978-1-55595-354-6.
  7. ^ American Silver in the Art Institute of Chicago. Art Institute of Chicago. Yale University Press. 2016-01-01. p. 243. ISBN 978-0-300-22236-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
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Media related to Hans Christensen (silversmith) at Wikimedia Commons