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THOR SELZER (1925–1989) was a Danish goldsmith and silversmith whose work occupies an important place in Scandinavian modernist jewellery. Trained in Copenhagen under the goldsmith Ferdinand Antvorskov, he completed his apprenticeship in 1946 and established his own workshop in 1957. Lex
Selzer developed a distinctive abstract and constructive style, characterized by strong geometric forms and a restrained, sculptural approach. He worked primarily in silver and gold, often combining these metals with opals, diamonds and other stones. His jewellery could be both rigorously modern and subtly poetic, with an emphasis on the structure and materiality of the piece rather than traditional ornamentation. Lex
A significant part of his practice was devoted to men's jewellery, an area in which he was particularly innovative. He also experimented with casting techniques using carved cuttlebone moulds (sepiaskaller), developing this process into a distinctive artistic language that he applied to both jewellery and sculpture. Danskernes Historie Online
Selzer also designed jewellery for Georg Jensen, one of Denmark's most prestigious silver houses, contributing to its modern Scandinavian aesthetic. His work was exhibited at institutions including the Danish Museum of Decorative Art in Copenhagen, and examples are held in museum and private collections. Jensensilver.com
Alongside his artistic practice, Selzer played an active role in the Danish applied arts community, including as a guest teacher at the Goldsmiths' College in Copenhagen and as a member of committees concerned with contemporary crafts and artistic design.
Today, Thor Selzer is particularly appreciated for the way his jewellery bridges Scandinavian functionalism, abstract sculpture and experimental goldsmithing, giving precious materials a powerful architectural and almost Brutalist character.