3. Juni 2012 - New Ceramics

ARCHITECTURE
The brickworks in Nybølnor is not just a site where brick
is fired and where the famous Kolumba is made by hand
and then exported around the world. For more than two
centuries, it has also been a family home.
The moment you turn down Nybølnorvej, there is no mistaking
what kind of place this is. Works in fired clay, sample
walls and brick surfaces in all shades and colours lead the way
to Christian A. Petersen’s home and the brickworks. Brick has
been produced here since 1791, when King Christian VII granted
the founder of the family business, smallholder Peter Andresen,
permission to build a brickworks. The brickworks, and the royal
assent, have passed down the generations. Today, Christian A.
Petersen and his daughters run the company – the seventh and
eighth successive generations to do so. And even the grandchildren
are involved. A few years ago, they came up with the idea
PeTersen Tegl
A passion for brick Ida Prastegaard
of the Petersen Junior mini-bricks, which are equally suitable for
play and decoration.
The beauty of the site is multifaceted, but the passion for fired
clay is palpable at every turn. The Petersen family’s private home
has the unmistakable aura of a building that has been cared for
and maintained over hundreds of years. The production buildings
predominantly consist of blue-tempered brick, and exude a
toned-down materiality that contributes to the harmony of the
site. But the architecture is not the only attraction. Artists regularly
visit the brickworks and work here for extended periods –
often leaving behind examples of their work. These pieces can be
found dotted around the site, nestled among lovingly cared-for
bonsai trees and rose bushes.
In the early days, as now, the 6.5 km 2 cove was ideal for
brick-making. Along its coasts were rich deposits of ice-age clay,
and the cove had a direct, navigable connection to Flensburg
Fjord. In the 18th century, the brickworks was located on the
other side. In fact, at one point there were 50 brickworks here,
the biggest such concentration in Northern Europe. Six remain –
including Petersen Tegl.
Coal-fired brick
There are several reasons why Petersen Tegl has fared so well,
even during hard times for the brick-making industry. First and
foremost, the bricks it produces are unique. Secondly, Christian
A. Petersen has a feel for the Zeitgeist, is adaptable, and understands
the importance of working closely with architects.
top Bateman's Row, designed by Theis & Kahn and located in
Shoreditch, London, is a combined home, architect's studio
and gallery.
left Many artists have left their mark on the brickworks in Broager
over the years. A student of the Swedish artist Ulla Viotti left
behind this buxom lady in brick.
50 NEW CERAMICS MAY / JUnE 2012