Torben V. Kristiansen (1930-2023)

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Torben Kristiansen

High-flying Vancouver art dealer Torben Kristiansen, a Danish immigrant who specialized in the Group of Seven, died last month in Vancouver General Hospital. He was 92. 

Kristiansen, born in 1930, became interested in art after pursuing his love of aviation in the Royal Danish Air Force, the Vancouver Sun reports. As part of an NATO exchange to the United States, he learned to pilot the iconic Mustang fighter.

After leaving the military he worked as a steward for Scandinavian airlines, eventually moving to Vancouver, where he worked for CP Air until 1972. He started buying art in Europe and selling it in Canada, and in 1960, bought Vancouver's Art Emporium.

"Beyond his legacy in the Canadian art business, Torben was a legendary character, known for his charm, charisma and infamous punchlines that echoed through every room he entered," his obituary says. "Torben's wit and zest for life was contagious, and those who knew him agree he can only be described as legendary."

Vancouver art dealer David Heffel told the Sun that Kristiansen was a natural storyteller.

"He was passionate about art," said Heffel. "As an orator, he could convey that knowledge and passion with a style that was uniquely his own, and at times mesmerizing."