A silver medal in the 6 metre class at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki marked the start of a public profile for Johan Martin Ferner. Born Johan Martin Jacobsen in Oslo on 22 July 1927, he transitioned from a competitive sailor into the management of the family enterprise, Ferner Jacobsen, while navigating a life within the Norwegian royal circle.
Education and Business Succession
Ferner received his early education in Norway before moving abroad to study at the London Polytechnic Institution, Bradford Technical College in England, and the University of Lyon in France. In 1964, following the death of his father, master tailor Ferner Jacobsen, Johan and his brother Finn took responsibility for the family clothing company. This period of his life was defined by the transition from traditional, owner-managed retail toward post-war professional business models.
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Before focusing on his commercial career, Ferner achieved recognition as a competitive sailor. During the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics, he served as a member of the crew for the boat Elisabeth X. Alongside his brother Finn, Erik Heiberg, Tor Arneberg, and Carl Mortensen, he secured a silver medal. This victory established his reputation in international sailing circles during his mid-twenties.
Marriage and Family Life
Ferner was married twice. His first marriage to artist Ingeborg Hesselberg-Meyer occurred in 1953, ending in divorce in 1956. In 1961, he married Princess Astrid of Norway at Asker Church. The couple had five children: Cathrine, Benedikte, Alexander, Elisabeth, and Carl-Christian. His wife was the daughter of King Olav V of Norway and Princess Märtha of Sweden.
Public Honours
Throughout his life, Ferner received numerous national and international decorations. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of St. Olav in 2011 and awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit from France. Other honours included the King Olav V Silver Jubilee Medal, the Order of Leopold II from Belgium, the Order of Isabella the Catholic from Spain, and the Order of Independence from Jordan.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 July 1927, Oslo
- Died: 24 January 2015, Oslo
- Olympic result: Silver medal, 1952 Summer Olympics
- Spouse: Princess Astrid of Norway
- Family business: Ferner Jacobsen
- Education: London Polytechnic Institution, Bradford Technical College, University of Lyon
- Notable honour: Commander of the Order of St. Olav (2011)
Questions readers ask
What was Johan Ferner's primary profession?
He was a businessperson and entrepreneur who managed the family clothing company, Ferner Jacobsen.
Did Johan Ferner hold any official state honours?
Yes, he was a Commander of the Order of St. Olav and held the Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit, among various other international decorations.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of St. Olav
- Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit
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