 | Jens had an unusually broad training in both gold
and silversmithing in both New Zealand and Europe. From these
traditional practices he combined design elements from other
disciplines such as sculpture, architecture and art. He found new ways
of working outside traditional structures. Through self-employment he
found the freedom to make his own kind of beautiful jewellery. |
It was
not long before people sought out designer engagement rings and unique
wedding bands from Jens Hansen. It has been a hallmark of the workshop
that people have always been drawn to its bohemian atmosphere, and it
is not by luck that Jens trained, worked with and influenced many of
New Zealand's leading contemporary jewellers.
Even after Jens’ death in 1999, his passion, pioneering outlook and creativity continues to infiltrate the vibrant Nelson arts’ scene. The workshop’s influence still resonates in New Zealand’s creative industries, as Jens Hansen’s spirit and learnings live on through the workshop’s current craftsmen.
JENS HANSEN 14 July 1940 10 August 1999
|
| 1940 |
Born Gram, Denmark. |
| 1952 |
Came to New Zealand from Odense, Denmark. |
| 1955 |
Traditional apprenticeship at Sweeney's Jewellers Auckland & painting classes with Garth Tapper. |
| 1960 |
Solo exhibition of silverware at New Vision Gallery Auckland. |
| 1962 |
Left New Zealand to study in Europe. |
| 1962-1965 |
Worked at Michelsons, the Court Jewellers, & Borups in Copenhagen. Studied at School of Applied Arts & Industrial design, Copenhagen. |
| 1964 |
Participated in exhibition at Guild Hall, Copenhagen. |
| 1965 |
Returned to New Zealand. Worked at A. Kohn Jeweller, Auckland & attended sculpture workshop with Jim Allen. |
| 1966 |
Started own business in Glen Eden, then in Titirangi, Auckland. |
| 1968 |
Moved to Nelson & opened Jens Hansen Gold & Silversmith at 8 Alton Street. |
| 1970 |
Moved workshop to Hardy Street. |
| 1970s-1980s |
Ran summer school classes in sculpture and painting. |
| 1973 |
Moved workshop to 320 Trafalgar Square. |
| 1975-1976 |
Received Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council grant to work at Goldsmiths High School, Copenhagen. Studied painting, Copenhagen. |
| 1977 |
Returned to New Zealand. |
| 1980s |
With Gavin Hitchings established jewellery classes at Nelson Polytechnic. |
| 1980s |
Advisor to Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council of New Zealand. |
| 1983 |
Founding member Details, the Jewellers, Bone & Stone Carvers of New Zealand. |
| 1990, 1995 |
Artist in Residence, Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin. |
| 1968-1998 |
Exhibited in over 30 solo exhibitions. Participated in a large number of group exhibitions in New Zealand, Australia & Europe. |
| 1999 |
Commissioned to make the 'One Ring' for The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Sons Thorkild and Halfdan continue the legacy of Jens Hansen Contemporary Gold & Silversmith. |
| 2004 | The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa selects key Jens Hansen jewellery works for the Permanent Collection. |