Artisan Spotlight: Overgaard & Dyrman

Tuesday, August 13, 2024written by Overgaard & Dyrman
Overgaard & Dyrman is a contemporary furniture maker and design studio based in Denmark. Merging traditional techniques with modern technology, their unique approach to design bridges the past with the present, resulting in functional products created to inspire.

All O&D pieces are made-to-order by skilled artisans, and each is individually stamped and numbered by its maker, reinforcing the attention to detail and pride in their work.

It is our pleasure to spotlight these artisans – Anne, Mette, Benjamin, and Lenette!

The Leather Specialist

ANNE

Anne is a dedicated artisan with a profound passion for genuine materials.

Her fascination with genuine leather started years back, after she graduated with a specialization in shoes and leather goods, and then worked as a designer of leather footwear.

Since joining O&D in 2015 as their second craftsman, she has refined her craft skills, and she takes immense pride in working with genuine high-quality materials.

Anne meticulously examines each leather hide to minimize waste and maximize quality, making the process a grand puzzle that she loves to solve.

Her favorite material is whiskey tooling leather, known for its authentic appearance and natural color variations. To Anne, these variations are a testament to the leather's natural beauty and life.

A Personal Touch in Every Product

Anne loves being involved in every step of the production process. From the smallest details to the final product, she finds great satisfaction in seeing her work come to life. Her commitment to genuine materials and long-lasting quality is evident in every piece she crafts.

Living in the countryside, close to a lake and the ocean, Anne enjoys spending time in nature with her family. She also has a leather-sewing machine for personal projects, although she modestly says it's nothing special.

Look for the AK initials on your O&D pieces to explore the beautiful work of Anne.

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"Working with genuine materials, as we do here, is rare; there aren't many workplaces like O&D where you work with such high-quality materials so uncompromisingly."

— ANNE

The Tailor

METTE

With a background where her grandfather was a blacksmith and her father a carpenter, Mette has developed a deep passion for working with her hands. Her journey into the world of craftsmanship started at the Textile Craft School, where she trained as a pattern maker, fashion designer, and ladies' tailor, graduating in 2010.

After completing her education, Mette worked in quality control of textiles but soon realized her true calling was creating beautiful items with her hands. This led her to open her own sewing studio, from where she crafted stunning wedding dresses and other tailored garments. Her studio thrived, but Mette missed having colleagues and more time with her family. In 2016 she decided to seek new challenges, which fortunately brought her to O&D.

Mette's transition to working with leather was an exciting new chapter. Although different from sewing textiles, her extensive experience made her adept at mastering this new material. Leatherwork requires precision and expertise, as each stitch creates a permanent mark. Mette finds joy in this meticulous process, viewing it as a science that always offers more to explore.

At O&D, Mette is integral to the creative process in the Wire and Circle collections. She thrives on bringing a product to life from scratch and enjoys the variety in her work, becoming a specialist in multiple processes. With a background as a tailor, Mette has a deep appreciation for the time and skill that true craftsmanship demands. This philosophy is evident in every piece she works on, ensuring each product meets the highest standards of quality and artistry.

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Outside of O&D, Mette continues to nurture her creativity at home. She sews for her own needs, knits, draws, and makes paper flowers, always keeping her hands busy with new projects. Her dedication to craftsmanship and her creative spirit makes her an invaluable part of the O&D family.

Look for the MF initials to explore the beautiful work of Mette.

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"Good craftsmanship takes time."

— METTE

THE WELDER

BENJAMIN

Benjamin's story begins amidst the rugged beauty of the Faroe Islands, where he spent his childhood exploring the untamed wilderness with his family. The tranquility of the Faroese nature instilled in him a deep appreciation for solitude and a love for hands-on creativity.

Originally trained as an Industrial Technician, Benjamin found his passion for welding during his formative years. The allure of shaping metal with precision captured his imagination, setting him on a path of mastery in the art of welding.

"I take pride in the meticulous attention we give to each weld. It's not just about joining metal; it's about creating something enduring, something that speaks to the admires of good craftsmanship."

— BENJAMIN

In 2021, Benjamin embarked on a new chapter, relocating to Denmark with his partner. While he initially had plans to pursue further studies, fate intervened, guiding him to O&D, where his expertise and dedication found a perfect match.

At O&D, Benjamin's craftsmanship truly shines. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to perfection, he approaches each weld as a work of art.

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Beyond welding, Benjamin's creative spirit extends to experimenting with leftover leather, exploring the juxtaposition between steel and soft materials. He finds inspiration in the collaborative atmosphere at O&D, where colleagues learn from one another, and innovation is encouraged at every turn.

Embracing Creativity and Collaboration

As O&D looks to the future, Benjamin's journey serves as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to embrace new challenges embody the spirit celebrated at O&D.

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Look for the BP initials to explore the beautiful work of Benjamin.

Crafting Excellence, One Weld at a Time.

The Textile Virtuoso

LENETTE

Lenette’s love for textiles began in her childhood, inspired by her mother who loved sewing clothes for the family. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion, leading her to train in various aspects of textile work. Starting her career in a textile-specialized store, Lenette further honed her skills as a handicraft teacher and later as a furniture upholsterer.

In 2021, Lenette brought her vast experience to O&D. Her role involves the intricate task of upholstering our signature Circle Collection.

Each Circle Collection piece is unique, offering endless possibilities for fabric combinations. Whether it’s fine woven fabric, soft velour, rich bouclé, or genuine leather, each material behaves differently, requiring deep expertise to achieve a perfect result.

“At O&D, we work with high-quality specialty fabrics from small and large weavers and producers worldwide. When a new fabric enters the studio, I always look forward to unrolling and exploring its features and details,”

— Lenette

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Fascination with Brass

Beyond fabric and upholstery, Lenette is also skilled in the art of patinating brass. This process involves a precise and fascinating chemical transformation. Lenette finds the accuracy required and the visible second-by-second changes captivating, making this aspect of her work particularly rewarding.

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Look for the LA initials to explore the beautiful work of Lenette.