Occupation

I have been museum Director for the Royal Danish Collection at Rosenborg and Amalienborg since 2018, and before that I was the director of Koldinghus (2013-2018). I graduated as an art historian and economist and have written several books including Georg Jensen sølv & design and Raadvad – de første 250 år. I am also chairman of the board for the Hempel Foundation and on the board for Experimentarium.

How do you/have you worked with jewellery?

As a museum director and curator, I have extensive experience with jewellery exhibitions. Jewellery holds endless stories and history when it comes to craft, design and cultural history.

What is a beautiful piece of jewellery to you?

It is a piece of jewellery where craft, material, design and sculptural form come together as one. Add another dimension to this, a story that the wearer is helping to create, and it becomes even more interesting. Jewellery is made to be worn and to reflect the wearer's own story and personality.

What is your favourite Georg Jensen jewellery?

The Offspring bracelet with the little ring is my favourite. With her Offspring collection, Jacqueline Rabun has managed to connect past and present and give the collection a very clear story. The collection has clear references to the craft and sculptural and organic design that characterises many of Georg Jensen's designs, but here in a completely new and modern mode of expression.

What influence has Her Majesty the Queen had on Danish jewellery design?

There's no doubt that Her Majesty has had a very direct influence on the daisy jewellery. The daisy jewellery is a clear reference to the Queen's own life story. In this way, the jewellery is a memory of sorts and thus acts as a prism for the wearer's own story and narrative, which we can all relate to. We all have a piece of jewellery or a watch that means something special to us. Perhaps because it was given to us on a special occasion, or perhaps because we inherited it. In other words, jewellery can do something quite special that other objects cannot, especially because we wear it on our self, close to our bodies. We carry our memory with us and display it to others. This is what Her Majesty has helped bring to light. When Her Majesty wears a piece of jewellery, it is always a very conscious choice that tells a story, and which suits the occasion she is wearing it for.

What skills should a talented jewellery designer have?

A good jewellery designer must be able to visualise and play with an idea. Equally important is that the jewellery is designed for use. It isn't just a sculptural object to be placed on display, but an object that needs to be worn and work well on a person.

What are you most hoping to see in this competition?

I hope to see some designs that reflect an understanding of Her Majesty’s 50^th Jubilee and which also work well from a craft and design perspective. I hope that we see jewellery that not only deserves to be worn on this occasion, but which also remains a beautiful and interesting mark of an historic event.

What advice would you give to the competition entrants?

Don't be afraid to think out of the box. Be bold and creative in your choice of expression and find inspiration in Georg Jensen's more than 100-year old jewellery traditions.