Hornvarefabrikken – The Hornware Factory – is part of an interesting history stretching back 200 years. It is a story of poor local artisans in the moorlands of Denmark’s far West, two economic crises, one World War, two incapacitating accidents, a visionary entrepreneur, and great ambitions.
Before -1931
During the war between Denmark and England in 1807–14, a Danish naval soldier, Knud Høj from the parish of Nees, was taken prisoner of war in England. There, he learned the craft of making horn spoons. After the war, he began production in his home area. This inspired many others to start their own horn production, as it provided a valuable additional income for the poor farms in these heathland areas.
From the 1800s, the spoon was the only form of cutlery used in the countryside. After a meal, farmers would wipe the spoon on their trouser knee and hang it under a beam, ready for the next meal. Wooden spoons were the most common, but gradually metal spoons became increasingly popular.
Hans Husted, born in Nees in 1834, was one of those who learned the craft. He passed it on to his son, Peder Husted.
1931
It was a workplace accident in 1931 that led him to take up horn spoon making again, as his injury made it difficult for him to continue working in agriculture.
From 1931 onwards, he began processing horn and produced, among other things, shoe horns and mustard spoons, which were made to order – including for Den Permanente in Copenhagen.
In 1935, Peder Husted moved the production from the family home on Høvsørevej to the factory’s present location on Åbrinkvej. Hornvarefabrikken grew in the years that followed.
Peder Husted was a visionary man with great ambitions. His horn products made their way to the World Exhibition in Brussels, where he won a silver medal for his hornwork.
Peder Husted developed many of the spoons and useful household items that Hornvarefabrikken still produces and sells today. He is remembered as a founder, designer and visionary. His drive and courage were remarkable during a period marked by one of the greatest economic crises in modern history.
1958
In 1958, Peder Husted entrusted Hornvarefabrikken to his son and daughter-in-law, Asger and Eva Husted. The couple managed to carry on Peder’s life work in keeping with his ideal of focus on craftsmanship.
The demand for horn goods saw a decline from the end of the 1950s and into the 1960s. However, Asger and Eva were able to gradually expand their distribution network to stores in Denmark and export to Germany. Eva’s talent for economy and ability to stretch every penny is no doubt a large part of the reason that Hornvarefabrikken still exists today.
Eva and Asger Husted were determined that horn working should continue in Bøvlingbjerg if possible. In 1990, they passed over the business to Inga and Agner Andersen, as direct generational succession was not in the cards.
1990
It was not a work-related accident, but a broken leg from a football injury that made it impossible for Agner Andersen to continue his business as a carpenter in the late 1980s. Agner saw an opportunity to make use of his versatile background as a craftsman to renew and develop the potential of Hornvarefabrikken.
Inga and Agner set to work renovating the production facilities, shop, and other buildings. Their work was successful, and growth continued through the 1990s.
In 2007, the couple began to think about retirement. The future of Hornvarefabrikken was uncertain, as there were no obvious candidates for succession. 200 years of artisanship and cultural history looked set to disappear forever, when Sara Bruun Buch stepped into the shop to do some Christmas shopping in November of 2007.
2008
Sara Bruun Buch recognised Hornvarefabrikken’s potential straight away, and knew that she had to own the business. She sent her farther-in-law, Olav Buch, to enquire about the possibility of a sale. Inga and Agner did not dismiss the idea, but would only sell to a person who could carry on the tradition of first-rate craftsmanship.
Luckily, they were delighted with Sara’s skill as an artisan. As of October 1, 2008, she has taken on the responsibility of continuing Hornvarefabrikken and expanding to new business areas in keeping with the tradition of the craft. Sara Bruun Buch is a graduate of the Arts & Craft College in Kerteminde, Denmark.
Hornvarefabrikken Aps. legalities
Hornvarefabrikken Aps. is a limited liability company registered as no. 32666663 with the Central Business Register. Hornvarefabrikken Aps. is fully owned by Sara Brunn Buch and Peder Frølund Buch, who make up the Board and daily management. Currently, the company has four employees.
The jewellery brand ‘Sara Brunn’ is a secondary name under Hornvarefabrikken Aps.