A ceramics expert with an eye for Langeland
As one of just nine certified ceramics collectors in the world, selected by the International Academy of Ceramics in Geneva, Hans-Henrik Dyhr knows what he is talking about when it comes to ceramics and glazes
In 2021, he sold a small part of his collection – 64 ceramic works – to the Danish Ceramics Museum Clay in Middelfart; however, as he has been collecting for 64 years and has purchased dozens of pieces every single year, the collection is extensive. This is true both at home and in the storage facility where he keeps a large part of it.
His home in Tankefuld, Svendborg, cannot accommodate any more ceramic objects – which, incidentally, due to a dreadful ventilation system, have to be dusted almost daily…
Six years ago, Hans-Henrik Dyhr moved from Vejle to Svendborg, and with his new sphere of exploration, he has become aware of the ceramics of Langeland. He has visited all the potters on the island, and there are two in particular whom he is keen to highlight with gratitude and praise.
Glaze experiments
“I am absolutely fascinated by Poul Erik Eliassen in Strandby. I would say he is the very best porcelain potter in the whole country. But let’s just say he’s one of the top two,” interjects Hans-Henrik Dyhr.
“Poul Erik Eliassen’s distinctive celadon glaze is truly remarkable,” continues the ceramics expert, explaining that it is a special Chinese glaze.
In northern China, a light bluish glaze was typically used in the past, whilst in southern China they preferred the shimmering light-green jade-coloured glaze – precisely the one that Poul Erik Eliassen uses.
In connection with this distinctive glaze and Poul Erik Eliassen’s time on the ceramics course at Kolding School of Arts and Crafts (now Design Kolding), Hans-Henrik Dyhr adds a little anecdote: the school’s ceramics teacher from 1971 to 2007, Lisbeth Voigt Durand, who had an infectious passion for glazes, was born in Vesteregn on South Langeland and trained as a potter at Løvemose Keramik in Kædeby. However, she received her training in glazing in Italy.
The second ceramist highlighted by Hans-Henrik Dyhr is Søren Baun Jeppesen, who moved to Hennetved a few years ago.
He is one of the few who experiments with soda glazes.
“In many ways, soda glaze is similar to salt glaze, but you can achieve something much more unique with soda. And that is precisely what Søren Baun Jeppesen manages to do.” For Hans-Henrik Dyhr, it is no coincidence that it is the glazes in particular that catch his eye.
The fascination with ceramics
Hans-Henrik Dyhr’s fascination with ceramics actually began at Herlev Pharmacy, where the beautiful apothecary jars from Hjorth’s Factory on Bornholm were lined up in neat rows. Over the years, Hans-Henrik Dyhr has, amongst other things, collected Bornholm ceramics, though he adds that he has purchased ceramics from all over the country – and now often from Langeland.
An interest in art and craftsmanship has also run in the family, as his maternal grandfather was a woodcarver and, as a modeller, developed prototypes for both the Royal Porcelain Factory and Bing & Grøndahl.
The Art Route
The Art Route allows you to combine major art and cultural experiences with visits to individual artists and craftspeople, whilst exploring Langeland’s most beautiful countryside and passing by art in public spaces.
