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Georg Jensen: Scandinavian Designer of Jewelry, Flatware, and More with Dr. Jennie Hirsh

Georg Jensen: Scandinavian Designer of Jewelry, Flatware, and More with Dr. Jennie Hirsh


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

This conversation introduces learners to the life and legacy of Georg Jensen (1866-1935), the Danish silversmith who remains one of the most notable names in the pantheon of Scandinavian design. A leading designer of flatware, hollowware, and jewelry, the ceramicist-turned-sculptor-turned-silversmith combined his diverse interests and training in the fine and decorative arts to eventually create an international company with retail outlets in several countries.

Together we will examine the themes and patterns that define the handles and bodies of his tableware as well as the beautiful botanical as well as geometric motifs that adorn necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to come out of his workshop. At the same time, this conversation considers some of the prominent artists and designers – such as Henning Koppel, Vivianna Torun Bülow, and Allan Scharff – commissioned over the years for their own iconic objects and vessels. Finally, we will trace the ways in which the company has brought forward some of the original tenets of Jensen into the twenty-first century with an expanded range of products for domestic as well as personal use.

Led by an expert on modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design, Dr. Jennie Hirsh, this Conversation will provide an overview of Jensen's contribution, stretching from his art nouveau designs to more geometrically driven, modernist works. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the classic designs of Jensen as well as the ways in which this company remains unique amongst not only the world of Danish silver but also more broadly in the history of design.

Jennie Hirsh (Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College) is a Professor of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Maryland Institute College of Art. She has held postdoctoral fellowships at Princeton and Columbia Universities, as well as pre-doctoral fellowships from the Mrs. Giles Whiting Foundation, the U.S. Fulbright Commission, the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, and the Wolfsonian FIU. Hirsh has authored essays on artists including Giorgio de Chirico, Giorgio Morandi, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Yinka Shonibare, and Regina Silveira, and is co-editor, with Isabelle Wallace, of Contemporary Art and Classical Myth (Ashgate 2011).

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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J
J.S.

I know a lot about georg Jensen ,but I learned so much more today . Dr . Hirsh is a wonderful teacher and I have enjoyed each and every one of her lectures for Context . I have registered for many of them, and I have never been disappointed .

L
Laura (Longmeadow, US)
Love Jensen

I have always been a fan of George Jensen! I have a few of his designs and enjoy them everyday. Jennie’s seminar was so interesting and enhanced my love for Jensen’s designs.

J
J (Vancouver, CA)
George Jensen an important figure in the world of Decorative Arts and inspiration for many others

Jennie always does an excellent seminar. This time she explored how she had developed a love of the work of Georg Jensen and therefore, taken an explicit interest in exploring his life and legacy. She showed us a couple of her own pieces which made the seminar even more interesting.

A
Anonymous (Frankford, US)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
100%
(4)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J.S.

I know a lot about georg Jensen ,but I learned so much more today . Dr . Hirsh is a wonderful teacher and I have enjoyed each and every one of her lectures for Context . I have registered for many of them, and I have never been disappointed .

L
Laura (Longmeadow, US)
Love Jensen

I have always been a fan of George Jensen! I have a few of his designs and enjoy them everyday. Jennie’s seminar was so interesting and enhanced my love for Jensen’s designs.

J
J (Vancouver, CA)
George Jensen an important figure in the world of Decorative Arts and inspiration for many others

Jennie always does an excellent seminar. This time she explored how she had developed a love of the work of Georg Jensen and therefore, taken an explicit interest in exploring his life and legacy. She showed us a couple of her own pieces which made the seminar even more interesting.

A
Anonymous (Frankford, US)

Guest did not leave comment