50 Years with Bruun Rasmussen: Auctioneer and Valuation Specialist with an Eye for Quality and Details
Hans Ruben began his career in our auction house at the age of 23. Working from the podium in our saleroom in the centre of Copenhagen to the farthest reaches of Denmark, he has seen just about everything that the auction business has to offer. On 30 August, the seasoned auctioneer and valuation specialist can celebrate his 50th anniversary with Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers.
It is becoming increasingly rare to see such a long professional career at the same company, but this is nevertheless the case for auctioneer and valuation specialist Hans Ruben. For half a century, the well-liked colleague has dealt with art and antiques in the auction business.
A man with an attention for details, an aesthete, and always working with a high level of professionalism and high spirits – these are just some of the many qualities that can be attributed to Hans Ruben, if you ask Kasper Nielsen, Director of Valuation and Sales, who has worked with Hans for 20 years in the auction house.
"Hans is basically an institution in his own right within our auction house, and even after 50 years, he still displays the same kind of eagerness, strong work ethic and dedication to his profession as he had the first day he came through the doors of the company. It has always been a great pleasure to work with Hans, who actually seems to get younger rather than older with the years. Hans still strives to give the customers the right kind of service. He has an unparalleled sense of quality, a great eye for details – and put simply, he is just a really good colleague."
Kasper Nielsen, Director of Valuation and Sales.
Among his colleagues, Hans Ruben is known for his sharp sense of humour and willingness to always share of his enormous experience and knowledge. Among customers, he is also well-liked and highly respected for his great expertise and credibility.
Part of the Auction House's Journey for Five Decades
Hans Ruben began at Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers while it was still led by the company's founder, Arne Bruun Rasmussen, when Hans was just 23 years old. With a great interest in art and antiques, and after starting medical studies and a business school exam under the belt, Hans Ruben sought advice about a career in the auction business from the experienced owner and auctioneer. A week later, the young man started in the company. From day one, he was thrown into the work of preparing a large international autumn auction. It was the start of a long and eventful career.
As one of a small group of people today, Hans Ruben has been part of almost the whole journey of the international auction house. From the start in 1972, he has witnessed the larger changes in the house, from Arne Bruun Rasmussen's son Jesper taking over the day-to-day management, and later when the children Frederik and Alexa joined the company. The digital transformation of the auction house and not least the new change in ownership to the British auction house Bonhams have also been milestones that Hans Ruben has experienced up close.
Over the years, Hans Ruben has contributed to the company with his knowledge, sense of quality and extensive knowledge of art, design and antiques, particularly with a focus on furniture valuations in private homes. He has thus travelled far and wide in Denmark, but also held the hammer as an auctioneer at the podium in our saleroom in Copenhagen.
In addition to art, design and antiques, his interests range widely – from aviation, golf, rock'n'roll, jazz, opera, Italian motorcycles and fast vintage cars to playing the drums at festive occasions.
Hans Ruben will be celebrated in private among company colleagues.