Oluf Tostrup was the son of Jacob Tostrup.
He began his training as a 16 year old apprentice at his father's workshop.
As well as as an apprenticeship, Oluf studied at the Royal Colllege of Art & Design, at the same time.
Following his training and studies, Oluf spent three years abroad, further honing his artistic and commercial skills.
He spent time in workshops in Berlin, Paris and Copenhagen.
In returned to Christiania in 1865, where he joined his father's company and soon held the position of artistic director there.
He was officially licensed in 1880.
From 1881 onwards he became sole owner of J. Tostrup.
Oluf Tostrup is accredited with introducing modern enamel artworks in Norway. He led the way in the field of experimenting with enamelling techniques.
In 1876 Oluf Tostrup was one of the founder members of the Applied Arts Museum in Oslo.
Regrettably, Oluf Tostrup died at an early age in 1882.
Developmental and experimental work with enamelling techniques continued under the aegis of architect, Torolf Prytz.