The tapestry of design history is woven with threads of innovation, craftsmanship, and familial legacy. Few are the names that shine as brightly in the realm of silversmithing as that of Frantz Hingelberg. Located in the artistic hub of Arhus, Denmark, the Hingelberg enterprise has been a cornerstone in the field of silver and gold craftsmanship. From its modest beginnings in 1897 to its transformation into a limited company in 1963, the firm has evolved, adapted, and consistently set benchmarks for excellence in design.
The Genesis: Frantz Hingelberg
Frantz Hingelberg was not merely a silversmith; he was a visionary. When he founded his company in 1897, he defied conventional practices by setting up a retail space along with a separate workshop for gold and silver. What began as a local venture soon found recognition, and the business became a retail and production silversmith for the Danish Royal Court. Such an association not only catapulted the brand into the spotlight but also stamped it with an emblem of quality and sophistication.
The Second Generation: Vilhelm Hingelberg and Svend Weihrauch
Vilhelm, Frantz’s son, expanded the company’s horizons by taking over as manager. Under his leadership, the firm worked closely with renowned designer Svend Weihrauch, whose visionary designs helped the brand maintain its esteemed status. Vilhelm saw the virtue in collaboration and nurtured relationships that would help the company thrive.
The New Workshop Era: 1943-1944
During 1943-1944, a new workshop was inaugurated, marking another pivotal chapter in the company’s history. Harald Jensen succeeded Svend Weihrauch as the workshop manager and principal designer, but the roster didn’t stop there. Designers such as Jacob E. Bang, Vagn Age Hemmingsen, Enling Borup Kristensen, and Knud Holst Andersen joined the team, bringing their unique perspectives to the crafting table.
Stepping into Modernity: 1960s
In 1960, a new shop was established in Store Torv 3, touted as one of Denmark’s most modern spaces at the time. Further institutionalizing its status, the firm became a limited company in 1963. This period saw a blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, a testament to the evolving nature of design itself.
The Third Generation: Frantz Jorn Hingelberg
Following the death of his father in 1966, Frantz Jorn Hingelberg stepped in as the firm’s president. With an educational background in gemmology, silversmithing, and business, Frantz Jorn was not merely carrying on a family tradition; he was carrying a torch of innovation and expertise.
International Recognition
The firm’s work was not confined to the Danish borders. Their modern sterling silver pieces were first internationally displayed at the Brussels World Fair in 1935. They’ve also been the recipients of numerous awards, solidifying their global reputation. Most notably, they have been Purveyors to the Royal Danish Court since 1948, a title that speaks volumes about the quality and artistry of their work.
Sources
Hughes, G. (1967). Modern silver, throughout the world, 1880-1967. Crown Publishers.
You may also be interested in
Emmy Roth (1885 – 1942) German / Israeli Silversmith
Emmy Roth (1885 – 1942) was a German Jewish Silversmith. She did a gold and silversmith apprenticeship at Conrad Anton Beumers in Düsseldorf, as well as apprenticeships in other gold and silversmith workshops. In 1916, she established her workshop in Berlin-Charlottenburg.
Robert Welch (1929 – 2000) English designer and silversmith
Robert Radford Welch (1929 – 2000) was an English designer and silversmith. He studied painting at the Malvern School of Art under Victor Moody from 1946 to 1947 and 1949 to 1950. Silversmithing at Birmingham College of Art between 1950 and 1952.
Frantz Jourdain (1847 – 1935) Belgian architect and author
Frantz Jourdain (1847 – 1935) was an architect and author from Belgium. He is best known for La Samaritaine, an Art Nouveau department store designed in three stages between 1904 and 1928 in Paris’s 1st arrondissement. He was regarded as an Art Nouveau expert. In 1847, Frantz Jourdain was born.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.