TV3 Nightline News

Four decades ago Danish gold and silversmith Jens Hansen set up a Nelson workshop.

Now nine years after his death his sons are continuing the legacy.

"I'd like to think he'd be proud that we're keeping it going," says Halfdan Hansen. "We've got apprentices working for us now so we're keeping it alive for the future."

To celebrate the 40th anniversary a collection of designs - which have not been made or sold since Jens Hansen originally designed them - has been re-launched.

Watch video or read rest of news story here TV3 Nightline News Story

Labels: halfdan hansen, jens hansen, jens hansen halfdan hansen lord of the rings nelson new zealand sbs danish radio, jens hansen halfdan one ring lord of rings nelson new zealand pippa tvnz tv

Here's an excerpt and photo of a nice article about Nelson which featured in today's Dominion Post newspaper. Please click the link to read the full story.

Nelson's world of sustainable arts

The once-wacky art scene in the sun-drenched South Island town of Nelson is not only alive and well, it's getting stronger

ELLEN BROOK - The Dominion Post | Tuesday, 11 November 2008

HOME AND AWAY: Nelson artist Anna Leary and Phillip Thomas in a Wellington Airport artists' studio, built to show off Nelson Arts. The Ring in the foreground is a full size replica of the big Jens Hansen One Ring used in the Lord of the Ring's movies.

Nelson has its fingers in a lot of pies. It wants to be the sustainable city, the solar city, the heritage city and the arts city, says the mayor.

..

The area is becoming known for its woodworking, as well as ceramics and jewellery, including the studio of Jens Hansen jewellers, which helped put Nelson on the map as the place where a certain gold ring that featured in a certain movie was made.

Yes, I know you thought it was forged in the mines of Mordor, but it was actually in a little workshop just by the cathedral.

.....

please click link to read the full story

Labels: halfdan hansen, jens hansen, jens hansen halfdan one ring lord of rings nelson new zealand pippa tvnz tv

Birthday bash: Thu Aug 16 - Nelson
Breakfast came to you on Thursday from the Nelson Yacht Club - the oldest yacht club in the country, celebrating its 150th birthday this year.

Presenter Pippa interviewed Halfdan Hansen of Jens Hansen Gold & Silversmith - Creators of the World's Most Famous Ring - the One Ring for the Lord of the Rings movies. Pippa recently had a baby and Halfdan had a surprise gift for them.

Labels: jens hansen halfdan one ring lord of rings nelson new zealand pippa tvnz tv