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Our history

Silver cutlery

The silver city, Bergen

Our history started in 1868 with Theodor Olsen. Bergen was the silver city above all others, and at that time there were as many silversmiths in Bergen as in the rest of the country. Theodor Olsen entered this rich craft environment with his international expertise and established his own silverware workshop and shop in 1868. He quickly became a pioneer in the Bergen craft environment.

An ever-growing silver collection

After Theodor Olsen's death in 1890, the silverware workshop and shop were eventually sold to the brothers Magnus and Knut Aase, and continued under the name Theodor Olsen. Since then, the Aase family has led the company for many generations. Throughout a century and a half, Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop has been one of Norway's leading silverware manufacturers. The legacy of Theodor Olsen is an ever-growing silver collection - a cultural treasure of great value.

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We carry a rich history, a heritage

We carry a rich history. An inheritance. Where knowledge and passion have passed from generation to generation. Today, Arven is a modern and innovative factory that constantly develops new and exciting products through courageous design collaborations but also preserves traditional techniques and classic design.

In short terms

Our history

2016

NAME CHANGE

Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop changes its name to Arven AS.

1934

SIGURD HOMSTVEDT

Sigurd Homstvedt started his goldsmith workshop in 1934, which was once the largest in Scandinavia for gold and diamond work. In 2016, Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop took over the business.

2011

BRØDRENE LOHNE 1921

Brothers Alf and Johan Lohne, both trained at Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop, established Brødrene Lohne Silverware Factory in Bergen in 1921. In 2011, Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop entered into a lease agreement to produce Brødrene Lohne's products.

1960

JACOB TOSTRUP 1832

Jacob U.H. Tostrup opened the J. Tostrup goldsmith store in Oslo in 1832. His grandson, goldsmith and designer Jacob Tostrup Prytz, took over the business in 1913. In 1960, Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop acquired several of Jacob Tostrup Prytz's most famous designs.

1925

MARIUS HAMMER 1871

Marius Hammer established himself in Bergen in 1871, and in the decades around 1900, he built what would eventually become Norway's largest goldsmith workshop. In 1925, Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop took over Hammer's business.

1903

MAGNUS AASE 1899

Magnus Aase established a silverware workshop in Bergen in 1899 and became one of the country's most renowned silversmiths. In 1903, he took over Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop along with his brother Knut.

1868

THEODOR OLSEN 1868

Theodor Olsen established Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop in Bergen in 1868. With his international experience, he became a pioneer in the Bergen artisan community, and the company soon became a powerhouse for silverware production in Norway.