OSCAR GUNDLACH-PEDERSEN (1887 - 1970)

Born in 1886 in Odense, his first job was an apprenticeship as a bricklayer in New Jersey while he attended the Odense Technical College. Gundlach-Pedersen later studied sculpture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and is  responsible for designing a number of important buildings in Denmark. His early architectural works were either Neo-classical or Baroque inspired, although even by 1922, he was emphasising a paring down and simplification of his designs. Beginning in 1911, he worked at the Georg Jensen Silversmithy as Georg Jensen's last apprentice. After Georg Jensen's break from the silversmithy, he became the assistant Director to the silversmithy  from 1926 - 54, where he was responsible for the new artistic direction of the company and chose designs to be represented in the product line. His relationship with Georg Jensen was often considered detrimental and he was abrasive to the old master within his new position. In addition to designing the Parallel and Nordic flatware patterns, he designed Mitra, the company's first stainless steel flatware pattern. He also designed a number of jewelry and hollowware pieces. His design often reflected the pared down Functionalism that was prevalent of the time. He was represented in many exhibitions and received a gold medal at the Paris World Exhibition in 1925 and the Diplome d'honneru at L'Exposition Internationale, in Paris in 1937. Oscar Gundelach Pedersen also held positions on a number of boards including being President of the Danish Standards Council Committee for Carpentry and Hardware, and member of the Societe des artistes decorateurs in Paris, as well as designed furniture for the home.

From GEORG JENSEN HOLLOWWARE, THE SILVERFUND COLLECTION, David A. Taylor & Jason W. Laskey, 2003

Click HERE to read more about Oscar Gundlach-Pedersen's contributions to the Georg Jensen Silversmithy

Click HERE  to visit a site depicting Oscar Gundlach-Pedersen's gravestone and a small biography

Click HERE to see items in Parallel

Click HERE to see items in Nordic