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REMEMBERING THOR BRANDT-ERICHSEN (1939-2008) Biography of Thor by his son Scott (6.4 MB PDF)
No one was prouder of the Elverhøj Museum and its art gallery than Thor Brandt-Erichsen. He often had art on exhibit in the gallery and sold prints of his work to benefit the continued operation of the museum. On his visits to the Valley from Alaska, he and his wife, Nancy, participated in many events held at Elverhøj and represented his family in the operation of the museum. Born June 3, 1939 in Peterborough, New Hampshire, Thor attended local schools and graduated from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in 1956 and attended the University of California at Santa Barbara. He was an active participant in the Santa Ynez Valley Boy Scouts program where he developed his love for the outdoors. A journeyman printer, he worked for the Santa Ynez Valley News and the Santa Barbara News Press before moving to Anchorage, Alaska in 1962 with his wife, the former Nancy Hunt of Lompoc, and infant son. In his early years in Alaska, Thor combined a career as a printer with many Alaskan adventures, including prospecting for gold and antimony, homesteading in the Nabesna area, playing in chess tournaments, and building a home and several cabins. From 1976 to 1979 he was the publisher of the Susitna Sentinel, a weekly newspaper based in Talkeetna.
He was a frequent visitor to Solvang and maintained an active involvement with Elverhøj where some of his art work can be seen. A Rotarian since 1992, he was active in establishing Rotary Clubs in Russia and promoted many Russian-American exchanges. “Thor was a generous soul who gave of himself,” said his wife Nancy. “As a true Renaissance man, he had projects and dreams enough for several lifetimes. He lived large!” Thor leaves Nancy, his wife of 46 years; son, Svend and wife Sarah of Bainbridge Island, WA and their children Haley and Axel; son Scott and wife Beth of Ketchikan, Alaska and their daughters, Sarah, Laura and Gracie. He is survived by his sister, Jean Nandi and her husband Satyabrata of Berkeley, CA and his brother, David Brandt-Erichsen and wife, Bien of Tucson, Arizona.
Shown below is another example of Thor's plein [open] air painting, where Thor packed his easel to Corona Arch on an outing with the Natural Arch and Bridge Society led by his brother, David.
An illustrated biography of Thor Brandt-Erichsen written by his son Scott is available. The 160-page book includes 79 photos. It is available in several formats:
EXHIBIT: MERV CORNING RETROSPECTIVE On exhibit through September 21 in the museum gallery is “Merv Corning Retrospective,” a display of original work from various stages in the illustrious career of an accomplished and renowned painter with close local ties. The exhibition will include nearly 40 original paintings as well as pencil studies, mementos, and publications featuring artwork from a career of more than 50 years. Debuting September 27 in the Museum Gallery is Real/Abstract: Paintings by Jim Farnum & Francis Scorzelli. The exhibition will feature two practitioners of the use of color whose paintings envelope the viewer in two different, yet related worlds. Scorzelli's works are purely abstract while Farnum's are image-based pastels and oils. NEW BOARD MEMBER: JAMES BERTERO We are pleased to announce that James Bertero has been elected to the board of directors. A Solvang resident, Jim graduated from Loyola University, Los Angeles, in 1961 and served 3 1/2 years in the Air Force. He graduated from USC Law in 1969 and has been with the Los Angeles law firm of Musick, Peeler & Garrett ever since. He is currently the resident (and only) partner in that firm's Santa Barbara office. Jim and his wife, Ann, have been married for 47 years and have three grown children and eight grandchildren. Their two sons live with their families in the Santa Rosa, CA area. Their daughter, Lisa, lives in Los Olivos with her husband, Steve Palmer, and their three boys. Jim has served as a director of several non-profit boards over the years and states that he “hopes to make a useful contribution to Solvang Heritage Associates and the Elverhøj Museum.”
Archival reproductions of many historical photos are newly on display throughout the room. These have been meticulously restored, enlarged, and reprinted by local fine-arts photographer Paul Roark. You can see photos of the three presidents of Atterdag College, the folk dancers who performed at the Opening Ceremonies of the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Viggo Tarnow with his piccolo, and more. On one wall are photos of Mission Santa Ines in the 1880s; a panorama of Solvang and the Old Mission c. 1913; and Father Alexander Buckler and some of his parishioners. Fr. Buckler was Mission pastor from 1904 to 1924 and a good friend to the early Solvang settlers. Explanatory text, researched and written by Joan Mitchell and a team of volunteers, will help visitors understand the fascinating history of Solvang. They can also see archival reproductions of the incorporation document of the Danish-American Colony and one of its stock certificates as well as a photo of the representatives of the new colony about to look for land in the Santa Ynez Valley. One of the most complex and time-consuming projects has been the Solvang History Panels or “scrapbook on the wall.” These panels of text and beautiful old photos tell the story of Solvang, starting with immigration from Denmark and extending to the present day. This is a work in progress; fourteen topics remain to be covered. Just finished were two panels on “Solvang's Ranch and Cowboy Days.” Coming up soon are “The Auto and Solvang,” “Danish Days," and “The Brandt-Erichsen Family.” Elverhøj is fortunate that it has so many treasures in its collection that it can have rotating exhibits. Look forward to additional historical items going on display, as others are carefully preserved in storage. Many people have contributed their expertise and time as well as photos, mementos, and memories to the renovation of the Solvang Room and they will all be duly acknowledged. Additionally, Elverhøj is very grateful to institutions that have provided financial support via grants: The Valley Foundation, WoodClaeyssens Foundation, and the Solvang chapter of Rebild. The Museum still needs help, however, in identifying all the people in group photos. You are cordially invited to visit the Solvang Room soon, enjoy the new exhibits first hand, and, if possible, help identify the early settlers. Each spring Elverhøj hosts many school groups, giving educational tours and handouts to the students. Solvang School’s third grade classes visit each year as part of their study of local history. Ms. Johnson’s third graders visited in June and surprised Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates with a wonderful gift of original art depicting familiar Solvang scenes. Each student created a mixed media painting using colorful tempera paint, crayon and marker. Eight of the designs were reproduced as notecard sets which are available for purchase in the Museum Store. The students have requested that sales of the cards and artwork go to fund scholarships for area youngsters to Elverhøj’s art classes. This wonderful gift was part of the Share and Care Project sponsored by The Orfalea Foundation and the Santa Barbara Foundation. MILK BOTTLE RETURNS TO SOLVANG The six-foot high Burchardi cement milk bottle — a well-known advertising icon in the Santa Ynez Valley — stood for years at the Burchardi Dairy driveway at the western entrance to Solvang. The dairy was located on the mesa where Nyborg Estates are now, just off the present Highway 246. Johannes and Karen Margrethe Burchardi, successful dairy farmers in Northern California, had been the first to buy land in the new colony of Solvang. In 1917 the family was ready to move to Solvang, and by 1925 the Burchardi Dairy was a flourishing family-run business with 40 cows. The dairy operated until 1965. After the Buchardi Dairy closed, its milk bottle was moved to the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society’s Museum. Just recently, however, the SYVHS Board of Directors unanimously voted to send the milk bottle “home.” They agreed that the bottle should be nearer to where it originally stood in Solvang and that it would be most appropriate for the Elverhøj Museum's collection. Elverhøj is delighted to welcome the bottle and intends to place it in its back garden. A special fund has been set up to build a concrete pad and to restore the original advertising lettering. First, however, the two museums must work together trying to move a very heavy and bulky concrete bottle from Santa Ynez to Solvang. Once the historic milk bottle is in place, the two museums plan to hold a joint presentation ceremony. A fund has been established to cover the expenses of the relocation and restoration. If you would like to make a contribution, please phone the Museum at (805) 686-1211 or send your contribution to Elverhøj Museum at P.O. Box 769, Solvang, CA 93464. Please be sure to include a note indicating that the gift is to be directed to the “Milk Bottle Fund.” The Solvang Rotary Foundation recently awarded a grant of $950 for a new laptop computer. The new equipment has been purchased and is networked with the desktop computers, facilitating more effective use of staff time and easy availability of information. The laptop is a wonderful tool at meetings and allows staff to access records and documents from any area of the museum. As part of the Man and Woman of the Year awards, The Valley Foundation presents each honoree with funds to be gifted to the non-profit organization of their choice. We were so pleased and surprised to receive a $500 donation from Man of the Year John Rasmussen. In addition, a $100 gift was donated by Clara Ehrsam, Volunteer of the Year. Thank you, John and Clara, for these gifts and all the others you give our community. As Executive Director at Elverhøj I have the privilege of meeting with various professional groups and organizations. I meet many fascinating and accomplished individuals, am exposed to new concepts and ideas, and often get invited to interesting locations. Recently I joined with 30 associates from all parts of the United States at a two-day seminar of the Cultural Frontrunners at the Danish Embassy in Washington D.C. This network of people works together to enhance cultural ties between Denmark and the United States, sharing events and exchanging ideas. The concept of Cultural Frontrunners was developed in October 2005 during the Danish Heritage Society's conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Discussions between the Danish ambassador Friis Arne Petersen, cultural counselor Lene Balleby, and many of the participants at the conference — myself included — indicated a need for a new group to enhance cultural cooperation between Denmark and the U.S. From this discussion grew the concept of establishing a network whose members would be dedicated to creating many more Danish cultural events outside the cities where such events traditionally had taken place. Today, three years later, the network counts more than 40 members and links to many cultural events that have taken place in different parts of the United States. Speakers at the Washington seminar included Ambassador Petersen and Minister Counselor Torsten Jansen from the Danish Embassy; Lone Ravn, Danish Arts Agency in Copenhagen; Francine Berkowitz, a Director at the Smithsonian Institute; and others. The conversation was energizing and included many constructive ideas and suggestions. The embassy staff was very accommodating, and served us breakfast and lunch on the grounds. The cherry blossoms lining the embassy driveway and parking lot were in full bloom, creating a beautiful contrast to the marble exterior of the building. Although the embassy is well off the main road, the area was busy. Hillary Clinton's residence is located directly across the street and there was much activity in the neighborhood. One of the highlights of the meeting was dinner at the residence of Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen and his wife Birgitte Wilhelmsen. They are such a personable duo and the dinner was, of course, quite lovely. As a direct result of the Frontrunner meetings and networking, several Danish-themed exhibits are expected to travel to Elverhøj over the next 24 months. These may include exhibits of fine art jewelry by a talented goldsmith, examples of trendsetting design work, and art by contemporary Danish artists. Another goal is hosting a Danish film festival in our area. From my perspective, Cultural Frontrunners is going to be a positive force at Elverhøj and will enrich our experience of Danish culture. Esther Jacobsen Bates The historic building and carefully manicured cottage gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for intimate weddings. The garden with its abundant year-round blooms and corner gazebo creates a lovely setting for any wedding party. The bell in its stately tower can chime, marking the presentation of the newly married couple. The garden area comfortably accommodates up to 150 guests. Call (805) 686-9533 for information about availability and the reasonable rates. |
We were saddened by the sudden passing of Thor Brandt-Erichsen, who died on May 22, 2008 in Homer, Alaska, where he was working on the family cabin. Viggo Thor Brandt-Erichsen, known to his friends and family as “Thor,” was the eldest son of Viggo and Patt Brandt-Erichsen whose family home is now Elverhøj Museum of History and Art. 
In 1984, Thor retired from printing to pursue a degree in Art at the University of Alaska. He worked in many art mediums, was a past president of the Alaska Artist's Guild, and particularly enjoyed “extreme plein air painting” going to challenging locations such as Ruth Glacier on Mt. McKinley [right]. 
A major renovation of the Solvang Room is nearing completion. Starting with basics, the room has been re-painted and new signage put up. As before, the glass case is devoted to Atterdag College, but additional items are now exhibited, including one of the lions that used to guard the gym building and a 1927 autograph book giving intimate glimpses of life at the College.