Dorthe Herup

Dorthe Herup, born on September 11, 1953, in Ærø, Denmark, is a distinguished textile artist based in Holmestrand, Norway. She is renowned for her figurative tapestries and ikat-dyed nylon works, often drawing inspiration from historical photographs and personal family narratives.

Education and Early Career

Herup’s formative years were steeped in textile traditions, learning various techniques such as weaving, sewing, and machine knitting from her family. She pursued formal education at Kolding Kunsthåndverkskole in Denmark (1971–1973) and later apprenticed with Norwegian textile artist Else Marie Jakobsen in Kristiansand, contributing to projects like the altarpiece for Haugerud Church. Herup furthered her studies at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry in Oslo, graduating in 1977, and continued at the Bergen School of Arts and Crafts (1977–1978).

Artistic Practice

Herup’s oeuvre is characterized by a deep engagement with historical and familial themes. Her “Slektstepper” series translates old family photographs into woven tapestries, employing a distinctive technique that leaves colorful warp threads visible, evoking the sepia tones of aged photographs. This approach not only preserves personal histories but also invites viewers to reflect on broader social narratives.

In addition to traditional wool tapestries, Herup explores ikat-dyed nylon works, showcasing her versatility and innovative use of materials. Her commitment to the textile medium is evident in her meticulous dyeing processes and the integration of various weaving techniques.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Herup’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the Autumn Exhibition (Høstutstillingen) in Oslo. Her piece “Messelt” (2018), a tapestry depicting the bear hunter Ole Olsen Messelt, was showcased at the 2019 Autumn Exhibition.

In 2016, she completed a significant commission for the Fernanda Nissen School in Oslo—a 3×6 meter stage curtain tapestry illustrating scenes from Fernanda Nissen’s life and the struggles of striking match factory workers, reflecting Herup’s engagement with political and social themes.

International Engagements

Herup’s international experience includes a two-year tenure in Tanzania (1988–1990), where she collaborated with Norad and the Peace Corps to establish a small-scale weaving industry producing textiles for the local community. This endeavor underscores her dedication to the social dimensions of textile art.

Recent Projects

In 2022, Herup undertook the reproduction of Else Poulsson’s woven bench cushions (“hynner”) for the marble bench in Oslo City Hall. The three-year project involved creating 21 seat cushions and 41 back cushions, totaling 63 square meters of tapestry, with assistance from fellow textile artists Marie Benestad, Marta Kløve Juuhl, and Signe Ianke.