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An inventive perfectionist

Words like 'overlooked' and 'underrated' are commonly heard when collectors talk of Jörn Larsen. The 54-year-old former mechanical engineer from Denmark is sometimes also described as a Jess Chonowitsch for non-tycoons. The label is a little obvious, since the two carvers are close friends - Jörn admits that he learned perfectionism from his mentor Jess.

"When I met Jess about 20 years ago, he had been a pipe maker for many years while I was working with machinery and had pipe making as a hobby," Jörn recalls. "At that time, Jess's pipes seemed irritatingly beautiful to me - they still are beautiful - and that was simply my goal, to reach that level."

It's an ambition he has largely achieved, according to those who own and enjoy his pipes. And though rarely in the limelight of shows and glossy magazines, Jörn Larsen is one of very few carvers to have reached a pinnacle of recognition - his pieces are sold by the Tabak-Lädeli in Zurich (Jörn collaborates with Chonowitsch to make their house pipes). The shop's reputation is founded upon stocking the very best and little else. It's the place to go in Europe, if you've discovered the cash to buy a Bo, a Jess, a Lars or a Micke.

"I know my style is close to Jess. And his style was close to Sixten," Jörn confesses. But apart from the pipes they make for Wagner in Zurich, Larsen says he's moving away from Chonowitsch's influence on his shapes, albeit subtly. "To be a good pipe maker involves having an eye for details. It's often very small details that do make the difference."

Today, Jörn makes two basic breeds of pipe. On the one hand, he turns out freehands that never transcend the boundaries of the bizarre, yet display a measure of avant-gardism he's not normally noted for. On the other, he's a discreet virtuoso of standard shapes, truly interpreting them like a musician a sonata, rather than boisterously attempting to re-define them as many Italians prefer. A Lovat by Larsen is among the most perfect, unique, yet uncannily 'typical' renderings of the shape available - and that's counting Dunhills and old Loewes.

Not a show biz natural

This degree of conservativism may contribute to his comparatively low profile, but his lack of show-business acumen is probably a more decisive factor. "Most of today's Danish pipe makers are very good at travelling around the world and displaying their work," he says, admitting that "I'm not so good on that point."

Occasionally, there's been speculation about Jörn's untroubled approach to machinery, with purists discreetly shaking their heads at the fact that his workshop is known to feature a formidable arsenal of gadgets (many of them designed by Larsen himself). Jörn is aware of the gossip, but sees no taboos violated. Pointing out that all carvers use machines to some degree, he says his own make work easier "in many ways. For me, making a good pipe is a combination of using machines and using my hands."

Honest analysis reveals more things between Heaven and Earth than factory pipes and unique sculptures, and definitely, there are more ways of making a pipe than collectors might care to permit. But there's something nifty about a carver working with machines he invents himself - something that enhances the individuality of a pipe, rather than detracting from it. It's also interesting to note that most people with experience of Jörn's pipes refrain from delving too deeply, when this issue emerges in discussions. Out of respect for his work, they quickly discard the topic as somewhat petty.

Asked about the future of pipe making in Denmark, Jörn Larsen does not like to speculate. He says the over 50-year-olds active today will "survive in one way or another. At the moment, I think that those pipe makers who make the fewest pipes are those in the best economic situation. I don't know what will happen in the future, but I don't think it will be easier to be a pipe maker."

You can view Jörn Larsen's pipes here: http://www.danishpipemakers.com/makers/jorn/index.shtml

(November 7, 2003)

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