Holmens

“Holmens” is the name of one of Danish Art Weaving’s well known and popular furniture textiles, but it is more than just a name for its history is long and colorful. 

King Christian the Fourth loved to build. Many great buildings were erected during the period of his reign, Børsen (The Stock Exchange), Trinitatis kirke (Church of the Holy Trinity), Rundetårn (The Round Tower), Frederiksborg Castle and not least Rosenborg Castle. Already as a boy the future king showed great interest in sailing and in the navy. He was educated in ship building and navigation and the art of directing a battle at sea. Eventually, he would put the latter to good use. In the beginning of the 17th century Christian the Fourth initiated the building of a huge naval port including a shipyard and many warehouses at Bremerholm (Holmen) in Copenhagen. Many of these buildings can still be seen today. 

In Provianthuset (the Storehouse) the Navy kept its provisions, grain, meat, fi sh, salt etc. whereas Tøjhuset (the Arsenal) was a warehouse for arms and uniforms. One important part of the identity of the Navy was the uniform. It made the men appear with dignity and authority, but it should also withstand the Nordic cold and the daily, hard work on board the royal ships. Uniforms in bright colors like blue and red were made of 100 per cent wool according to old traditions. Nowadays, this fabric is still used in e.g. the red dress uniforms of the Royal Danish Guard.

This tradition, its history, and the techniques used are the basics of Holmens, which today Danish Art Weaving is manufacturing in a multiple of bright colors and nuances that compliment each other and that goes so well with today’s simple interior design.