Award Winner in 2002:
Den Lille Havfrue
Award Winner:
As a grandchild of Edvard Eriksen, I was invited to Odense to receive the award. It was a great joy to me that The Little Mermaid was presented with this award. Of course, I am aware that the award was only presented to me on behalf of the man for whom it was actually intended. As the sculptor Edvard Eriksen died in 1959, the award could of course not be presented to him personally, so I as one of his descendants was asked to accept it on his behalf. I can say on behalf of the Eriksen family that we are very proud of this membership of the honourable ‘Hans Christian Andersen family’, and each year I look forward to meeting other people dedicated to him and his works.
When I am able to participate, it is always a joy to learn more about Hans Christian Andersen during these cheerful and cosy reunions.
Erling Eriksen
The Little Mermaid as a marvellous symbol of faith, hope and love.
