Theodor Olsen brought international expertise along when he arrived in this artisan-rich environment. He established his own sterling silversmithery and store in 1868 and quickly became a leader in Bergen’s arts and crafts community.
We have a rich history. An inheritance.
Following the death of Theodore Olsen in 1890, the silversmithery and store were sold to brothers Magnus and Knut Aase, but continued under the name of Theodore Olsen. Since then, many generations of the Aase family have managed the firm. Through one and a half century, Theodore Olsen Silversmiths has been one of Norway’s leading producers of sterling silver. The inheritance left by Theodor Olsen is a steadily growing collection of sterling—a cultural treasure of great value.
We bear a rich history. An inheritance. One in which skill and passion have been passed from generation to generation. Today, Arven is a modern and innovative factory which is constantly developing new and exciting products through bold design work in cooperation with contemporary designers but which also preserves traditional techniques and classic design.
OUR HISTORY SUMMARISED
2016
WE CHANGED OUR NAME
Theodor Olsen Silversmiths became Arven AS.
SIGURD HOMSTVEDT 1934
In 1934 Sigurd Homstvedt started the goldsmithing workshop Sigurd Homstvedt, which in its time was Scandinavia’s largest for work with gold and diamonds. In 2016 Theodor Olsen Silversmiths took over the business.
2011
THE LOHNE BROTHERS 1921
Brothers Alf and Johan Lohne, both of whom received their training from Theodor Olsen Silversmiths, established the Lohne Brothers Silversmiths in Bergen in 1921. In 2011 Theodor Olsen Silversmiths took over the business.
1960
JACOB TOSTRUP 1832
In 1832 Jacob U.H. Tostrup opened the goldsmithing workshop J. Tostrup in Oslo. His grandson, goldsmith and designer Jacop Tostrup Prytz, took over the business in 1913. In 1960 Theodor Olsen Silversmiths bought the rights to produce several of Jacop Tostrup Prytz’s best known designs.
1925
MARIUS HAMMER 1871
Marius Hammer settled in Bergen in 1871, and during the late 19th and early 20th centuries established what would eventually become Norway’s largest goldsmithing workshop. In 1925 Theodor Olsen Silversmiths took over the Hammer business.
1903
MAGNUS AASE 1899
Magnus Aase established his silversmithery in Bergen in 1899, and was eventually one of the country’s best known silversmiths. In 1902 he and his brother Knut took over Theodor Olsen Silversmiths.
1868
THEODOR OLSEN 1868
Theodore Olsen established Theodore Olsen Silversmiths in Bergen in 1868. With his international credentials he became a leader in the Bergen handcrafts community, and his firm quickly became central for the production of sterling silver in Norway.