Sterling candle sticks by Carl Petersen

Carl petersen The work of silversmith Carl Poul Petersen (1895-1977) represents an artistic oeuvre with strong European roots. Trained as an apprentice in the studio of world-renowned designer Georg Jensen in Copenhagen, Petersen learned his craft from a master silversmith whose style was influenced by Art Nouveau.

A start in Canada

In 1929, Petersen and his wife Inger Jensen emigrated to Canada, settling in Montreal, Quebec. The Danish silversmith was immediately hired by Henry Birks & Sons Ltd., where he worked as studio master for ten years. This position enabled him to familiarize himself with Canadian materials and gain an understanding of the market trends in North America.
Petersen opened his own two-room studio on McGill College Street in Montreal in 1939. He signed a contract with the Canadian Aircraft Company to produce aluminum filters for Mosquito airplanes used in combat during World War II, industrial work that provided a major source of income for several years. He also did repairs on jewellery pieces for People's Credit Jewellers and Mappin's.