Valdemar Petersen was a Danish ceramist, born on February 7, 1899, in Holsted, where he spent his childhood. His father was a sawmill owner and a carriage maker, and from an early age, Petersen was exposed to the work of craftsmen and their materials, which ignited his passion for art.

Petersen trained as a journeyman painter in Kolding and attended the Technical School there. He also studied at Ernst Goldschmidt's School of Painting in Copenhagen, where he honed his skills as an artist.

After marrying Esther, a merchant's daughter from Kolding, in 1931, Petersen settled in Aarhus, where he worked as a craftsman painter and later as a teacher at the Social-Pedagogical Seminary. Petersen made his debut at Kunstnernes Efterårsudstilling (KE) in 1940, and from then on, he was a frequent exhibitor in associations such as Den Polykrome and Den jyske.

Throughout his career, Petersen focused on ceramics and was known for his unique and innovative approach to the craft. His work was inspired by traditional Danish pottery, but he infused it with his own creative vision and unique style, creating pieces that were both functional and beautiful.

Petersen's legacy as a ceramist is still celebrated today, and his work can be found in collections and museums around the world. He passed away in 1957, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy in the world of Danish ceramics.