Cabinet of Curiosities - Treasures from the Niels Knudsen Collection

Niels Knudsen was a true collector at heart - his entire lifetime was spent scouring for treasures in auction houses, second hand shops and thrift stores. He searched not just for quality and rarity but also for items of interest - anything out of the ordinary. He collected Items from all over the world - Europe, Great Britain, Russia, North & South America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Arctic, as long as it peaked his interest.

Uno Langmann Limited is proud to present this exhibition Cabinet of Curiosities - Treasures from the Niels Knudsen Collection. A selection of the collection is available to see online, but to view the collection in its entirety please visit the gallery. This is truly a rare glimpse into a collector’s world - treasures accumulated over a lifetime, from around the world. Come browse, explore and enjoy!

Bio

Born in Denmark in 1935, Niels Erik Knudsen—sometimes known by his pseudonym Erik Rhode—was a man of relentless curiosity and artistic passion. Never a lover of formal education he left school at an early age, later joining a post-war government movement to populate Canada with working immigrants, crossing the vast country by train to begin a new life. His early years were defined by rugged exploration and unconventional living, ranging from the deep woods of the North to time spent in a nudist colony on Vancouver Island and even a seafaring journey to and from Australia.

Eventually, Niels settled in Victoria, British Columbia, where he showcased a remarkable versatility. Starting as a labourer for the city he diligently worked his way up to the engineering department. His career in the public sector ended as abruptly as it began; upon receiving a letter formalizing his retirement date, he was so horrified by the prospect of a prescribed end so distant in the future that he quit the very next day.

This transition allowed Niels to fully embrace his unconventional creative spirit. He transitioned into the film industry as a production designer and reached a career pinnacle in 1986, when he was awarded the contract to construct and contribute to the design of the Land Plaza for Expo ’86. This role cemented his reputation as a master of "sculpting and imaging," proving that his self-taught skills were of world-class caliber.

Beyond his professional life, Niels was a lifelong collector, a passion that began as a boy in Denmark. While traveling in Australia, he discovered his first Japanese carved Netsuke, sparking a 60-year obsession with collecting art and artifacts. He did not seek "fine" things in the traditional sense; instead, he frequented thrift shops, flea markets and local auction houses, almost exclusively up and down Vancouver Island, finding objects that reflect the innate human experience. To Niels, an item’s value lay in the love, passion, and skill with which it was made. 

Perhaps his most tangible legacy was his home in Victoria—a former tea room, beach hall, and dance hall purchased in the early 1960s. He spent decades physically saving the structure from the encroaching ocean, transforming it into a sanctuary where he invited others to share in his love of history. Until his final days, Niels remained a teacher and a creator, surrounding himself with objects that showcased the most profound triumphs of the human spirit.

The exhibition has been extended until May 15, 2026.