Mogens Ballin
1871 - 1914
Mogens Ballin trained as a painter at private painting schools in Copenhagen. He was a self-taught craftsman with regards to metalwork. In 1891 he travelled to Paris to pursue his painting career.
Back in Copenhagen in 1899 he opened a metalware workshop and boutique at Tuborg. His aim was to make and sell beautiful metalware items for the common buyer. He worked primarily in pewter where he made bowls, mugs, pitchers etc. But he also made smaller frames and jewellery in bronze, brass, silver and gold, and mounted them with amber, coral and semiprecious stones. Georg Jensen worked as foreman in Ballins workshop from 1901-1903.
He was primarily inspired by Thorvald Bindesbøll and Jugend style. He worked with Sigfried Wagner, Gudmund Hentze and Ludvig Find.
In 1907 he sold his workshop and designs to Hans Peter Hertz who continued to produce his designs until approx. 1920.