The Silver City, Bergen
Our story began 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. Into this rich craft community came Theodor Olsen with his international expertise and established his own silverware workshop and shop in 1868. He quickly became a pioneer in the Bergen craft community.
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. For a century and a half, Theodor Olsen Sølvvareverksted 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.
We carry a rich history, a heritage
We carry a rich history. A heritage. Where knowledge and passion have been passed from generation to generation. Today, Arven is a modern and innovative factory that constantly develops new and exciting products through bold design collaborations but also preserves traditional techniques and classic design.
In short
Our history
2016
WE CHANGED NAME
Theodor Olsen Silverware Workshop changes its name to Arven AS.
SIGURD HOMSTVEDT 1934
Sigurd Homstvedt started the Sigurd Homstvedt goldsmith's workshop in 1934, which at the time was Scandinavia's largest in gold and diamond work. In 2016, Theodor Olsen Sølvvareverksted took over the business.
2011
THE LOHNE BROTHERS 1921
Brothers Alf and Johan Lohne, both apprenticed at Theodor Olsen Silversmith's Workshop, established the Brødrene Lohne Silversmith's Factory in Bergen in 1921. In 2011, Theodor Olsen Silversmith's Workshop entered into a lease agreement for the production of Brødrene Lohne's products.
1960
JACOB TOSTRUP 1832
Jacob UH Tostrup opened the goldsmith's shop J. Tostrup in Oslo in 1832. His grandson, goldsmith and designer Jacob Tostrup Prytz, took over the business in 1913. In 1960, Theodor Olsen Sølvvareverksted took over 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 up what would eventually become Norway's largest goldsmith's workshop. In 1925, Theodor Olsen Sølvvareverksted took over Hammer's business.
1903
MAGNUS AASE 1899
Magnus Aase established a silverware workshop in Bergen in 1899, and eventually became one of the country's most renowned silversmiths. In 1903, he took over Theodor Olsen Sølvvareverksted together with his brother Knut.
1868
THEODOR OLSEN 1868
Theodor Olsen established Theodor Olsen Sølvvareverksted in Bergen in 1868. With his international experience, he became a pioneer in the Bergen craft community, and the company soon became a powerhouse for silverware production in Norway.