Poul Dedenroth-Schou

Poul Dedenroth-Schou (born August 6, 1943) is a Danish historian and former director of the Danish Royal Castle of Koldinghus, at Kolding, Denmark.
He played a pivotal role in restoring the derelict castle ruin and transforming the castle museum into a major cultural and historical landmark in Denmark.
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==Reconstrution of Koldinghus==
Serving as director from 1976 to 2013
, Dedenroth-Schou spearheaded a significant restoration of Koldinghus, working closely with the architectural duo Inger and Johannes Exner. Their philosophy of reversibility aimed to ensure that modern interventions at the castle could later be reversed without damaging the historical integrity of the building.
Before Dedenroth-Schou began the restoration of Koldinghus in 1976, the castle had been in ruins since a devastating fire in 1808. The structure had no roof, and large sections of the walls were missing, leaving it exposed to the elements for over 150 years. The challenge was to preserve the historical ruins while making the building functional again as a museum. The restoration, led by him the architects aimed to enable future generations to undo modern interventions without damaging the original structure.
The restoration was awarded by Europa Nostra in 1993.
==Museum for Danish Silver==
His leadership also saw the creation of Denmark's most distinguished silver collection at Koldinghus, which attracted widespread attention, especially through exhibitions showcasing Danish silver beyond just Georg Jensen's well-known works. This collection became an international point of pride, demonstrating the diversity of 20th-century Danish silver craftsmanship
. Over his tenure, Koldinghus grew into a key cultural attraction, drawing around 200,000 visitors annually.
Poul Dedenroth-Schou's work also emphasized showcasing contemporary silver artistry. Under his guidance, the museum held several exhibitions that featured prominent 20th-century Danish silversmiths, including notable works from artists like Jens Siggaard, Bent Gabrielsen, and the world-renowned Georg Jensen. These exhibitions demonstrated the versatility and craftsmanship of Danish silversmiths, extending beyond Jensen’s legacy.
In addition to this, Koldinghus participated in international exhibitions such as the Silver Triennial, which featured cutting-edge designs from modern silversmiths worldwide. This positioned the museum as a significant player in the global discussion on contemporary silver design. Artists such as Petur Tryggvi, whose works combine traditional Icelandic motifs with modernist influences, were also part of this evolving narrative in silver craftsmanship. Tryggvi’s contributions to modern silver design, highlighted in several exhibitions, emphasize the ongoing evolution of the craft.
==Acknowledgements==
In addition to his work at Koldinghus, Dedenroth-Schou was appointed cultural director of Kolding Municipality from 1993 to 2000.
His efforts were recognized in 2001 when he was appointed Knight of the Order of Dannebrog, and in 2014, he was named "Kolding Citizen of the Year" for his outstanding contributions to the city and its cultural heritage
Additionally awarded the Entrepreneur Prize in 1994, a grant from Ole Haslund's Artist Foundation in 1996, the Danish Metalworkers’ Union Gold & Silver Initiative Prize in 2000, Associate of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in 2002, and the Goldsmiths' Association Jubilee Grant in 2004.
==Authorship==
Poul Dedenroth-Schou has authored numerous works on Danish cultural heritage. 
A comprehensive list of his contributions is available via the Danish National Library's database.
Titles include:
Karl Gustav Hansen - Sølv / Silber 1930-1994. Edited by Poul Dedenroth-Schou. Published by the Museum at Koldinghus, 1994.
Små kort over Danmark, Island, Grønland og Arktis. Published by the Museum at Koldinghus, 1996.
Danish Silver at Koldinghus. Published by the Museum at Koldinghus, 2005.
Thorvald Bindesbøll and the silversmiths. Published by the Museum at Koldinghus, 2007.
Category:1943 births
Category:Danish historians
Category:Film directors
Category:Danish people
Category:University of Copenhagen alumni