Arne Bang: A Master of Danish Stoneware
Arne Bang (1901–1983) was a Danish sculptor and designer whose work had a significant international impact. He famously stated, "my mission is to produce affordable quality stoneware for everybody." Though his pottery was inexpensive and widely available in his day—so much so that a piece of his ceramic was a common gift in almost all Danish homes—the demand for his work has made it highly collectible today, a fate that would surely have surprised him.
Artistic Influences and Early Career
Arne Bang was first and foremost a sculptor. He studied at the Danish Art Academy in the 1920s, where he was heavily influenced by the sculptor Utzon-Frank. Bang believed that his ceramics were "99 percent craftsmanship and 1 percent talent," a testament to his respect for his skilled employees. His designs were a fusion of Art Deco and Functionalism, and he also designed in silver, tin, and glass throughout his career.
Bang's interest in ceramics began at the Academy, leading him to found "Københavns Stentøjs Brænderi" with ceramist Carl Halier. It was during this period that Bang learned the basic skills of ceramic production, while Halier focused on glazes and technical aspects.
The Holmegaard Years and His Legacy
In 1928, Arne Bang was hired by his brother, Jacob Bang, to establish a stoneware production at Holmegaard Glassworks. The venture was a huge success, particularly during World War II when material shortages shifted the company's focus to pottery.
In 1948, Arne Bang took ownership of the studio, changing his signature from the "HG" (Holmegaard Glassworks) mark to his own "AB." With an output of more than 200,000 items, his production consisted of hundreds of models, and his work is now exhibited at international exhibitions and held in private collections.
