In the mid-1990s, we were entrusted with handling one of the most significant Danish sculptures of modern times — Robert Jacobsen’s 11-metre-tall, 18-tonne “Friendship”.
From long-term storage and careful restoration to installation on Kongens Nytorv and international transport to France — it was an assignment that demanded precision, logistical planning and an appreciation for art.
Storage and preparation
We received the sculpture in several parts and stored them at our warehouse for three years — a task that in itself required careful handling of an artwork of this size and weight.
When Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers wished to have the sculpture installed on Kongens Nytorv in connection with an upcoming auction, we began the thorough preparation work.
Prior to installation, all parts were repainted by hand using specially manufactured black ship paint. The colour — black with a warm, brownish glow — was carefully selected to match Robert Jacobsen’s other sculptures.
Installation on Kongens Nytorv
Following careful planning and dialogue with the City of Copenhagen regarding the load-bearing capacity of the area, we cast a temporary foundation on which “Friendship” could be safely installed.
To ensure the correct assembly of the many parts, our director Johnny Hansen visited the Kings Garden beforehand, where a smaller version of “Friendship” is permanently on display, to study the sculpture’s construction in detail.
The installation itself was completed over two working days. That the assembly was subsequently approved by Lun Tuchnowski — Robert Jacobsen’s former student and representative of the artist’s family — was an important confirmation that the work met the required artistic standards.
“Friendship” stood on Kongens Nytorv from the summer of 1996 until 14 October 1996, positioned between the memorial anchor in Nyhavn and the beginning of Gothersgade, opposite the European Environment Agency and the French Embassy.
Dismantling and continued storage
Following the auction in autumn 1996, we were responsible for dismantling and disassembling “Friendship”. The sculpture was then transported back to our warehouse, where we stored it until the summer of 1999.
The sale of the sculpture did not go as expected, and it ultimately had to be returned to its owner, Midtbank. They were subsequently contacted by the German tool manufacturer Würth, who wished to have the sculpture installed in front of their headquarters.
International transport to Strasbourg
In the summer of 1999, we handled the transport of “Friendship” to Würth’s headquarters in Strasbourg, France. Transporting an 18-tonne work of art across national borders requires thorough logistical planning, and we ensured the sculpture arrived in perfect condition — ready for its new, permanent installation.
18 tonnes of Friendship — the story of the sculpture
“Friendship” is an 11-metre-tall, 18-tonne black-painted iron sculpture by the Danish artist and sculptor Robert Jacobsen (1912–1993).
The sculpture was inspired by the Chinese written language — in particular the character for the word “friendship” — after Robert Jacobsen visited China in 1985. In 1986, the sculpture was installed in front of a Danish-Chinese bicycle factory in Tianjin, near Beijing, at the initiative of the so-called Jyde Brothers from Herning (Jeppe, Søren and Morten V. Pedersen), as a symbol of cooperation and friendship between two nations and cultures.
When the factory passed into Chinese ownership, the rationale for keeping a Danish artwork on the premises disappeared. The Danish bank Midtbank took over the sculpture, and it was decided to bring it back to Denmark with a view to selling it at Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers.
An assignment that demanded more than logistics
The “Friendship” project is a strong example of the breadth of JH Packman’s capabilities: we managed a complex and highly valuable work of art over several years — from long-term storage and restoration to installation, dismantling and international transport. All carried out with the care and expertise that art of this calibre demands.
About Robert Jacobsen
Sculptor
Robert Julius Tommy Jacobsen was a Danish artist who was self-taught as a sculptor and printmaker.
Jacobsen’s works, including sculptures, are featured in museums and public spaces around the world.
Jacobsen was part of the group of abstract artists associated with the Parisian gallery owner Denise René.
Photo: Lars Pryds
