DENMARK’S STRATFORD

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6543, 13 November 1924, Page 6

DENMARK’S STRATFORD

Odense, in Denmark, the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson, is on the main line from Esbjerg to Copenhagen, and contains much of interest, including a church rich in historical associations (writes Archibald Taylor in “John O’ London’s Weekly”.) The gem of its attraction is, however, tiie little white cottage where the great teller of fairy tales first saw the light and where is now gathered a fascinating collection of mementoes of his life. In commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of Anderson’s birth, the cottage was acquired by the municipality. To-day the house, with adjoining cdttage added, forms a museum containing hundreds of articles and manuscripts. Most of us are acquainted with the childish habit of folding up a piece of paper and, by tearing it here and there producing an odd representation of a lace curtain. Anderson made quite an art of this child-like diversion. It is recorded that, when chatting to a friend, he would produce scissors and paper and, while maintaining conversation, snip away at the folded paper in his hands. Some of these paper cuttings are exhibited in the museum. His favourite figures are swans, dancers, and Cupids. Each figure is unique, and is never repeated in exactly the same form. One design, cut by Anderson in his 69th year and presented to a friend, is a little masterpiece.

The exhibits tell, in their own way, the story of Anderson’s life, from his poverty-stricken boyhood to his famous old age. Here are 'relics of his several love affairs —reminders of his affection for Jenny Lind, the “Swedish Nightingale,” and for Riborg Voigt. When Anderson died / there was found next to his heart a small purse containing a letter from one of his former lovers. The purse is shown in the museum. There is a fire-screen decorated with pictures cut by Anderson from the illustrated papers; copies of his works in practicall every language; and close to his last will and testament lies his favourite pen-holder, which after his death passed ’ into the possession of Greig, the famous Scandinavian composer.