Hans Tank

Hans Tank was a Norwegian skipper, merchant and endowment founder, born in Bergen. He is particularly known for his donations that resulted in the establishment of Den Tankske Skole which opened in 1850, more than forty years after his death.

Tank’s family originated from Germany, his grandfather, Hans Adolf Tanche, immigrated to Bergen in 1705 from Bernsdorf in Luneburg. Hans Tank’s father, Adolf, adapted his surname to Norwegian. Adolf Tank was a sipper and a merchant, and Hans followed him into trade. Already in 1761, he became a skipper.

As a skipper and trader Hans earned a considerable fortune. He was trading in metals needed in shipbuilding industry, in tobacco, glass, stoneware, and had an extensive trade with lumber, grain, and fish.

Hans also had interest in culture and was the first treasurer of Musikselskabet Harmonien, and was director of Harmonien academy for fine arts and played flute in the orchestra. Tank wanted to improve the contemporary school education, which he found very unsatisfactory. With this in mind he donated most of his wealth as initial capital of Tanks School.