Thorkild Hansen

Thorkild was born into a creative family environment with his father being the renowned silversmith Jens Hansen and his mother Gurli running a prestigious hotel in Copenhagen. Much of Thorkild's working life has been spent designing and creating jewellery, managing the family business and as part time jewellery technician at Nelson Polytechnic where he first met John Shaw and David Haig who also worked in the School of Visual Arts.

Thorkild was one of the Centre for Fine Woodworking's early students, being able to very easily transfer his highly developed skills in fine jewellery making to fine furniture making. Thorkild is now based at the school as our artist in residence, mentor and part time tutor, where his vast experience as a practising craftsman and businessman gives an invaluable insight to our students who intend to make furniture making a career.