In 1795, Brede Hovedbygning arose as a testament to the vision of Peter van Hemert, owner of the neighboring Brede Works. Brede Hovedbygning wasn’t just a house. It was a statement, a reflection of van Hemert’s prominent position within Copenhagen’s merchant aristocracy. The Neoclassical design, likely overseen by architect Andreas Kirkerup, exudes timeless elegance. Inside, the renowned interior designer Joseph Christian Lillie worked his magic. Lillie orchestrated not only the ceiling and wall decorations but also likely designed most of the furniture. The house became a summer retreat for van Hemert and his family, a place of refined taste and opulent comfort. Sadly, their idyllic life at Brede Hovedbygning was short-lived. Van Hemert declared bankruptcy in 1805. Everything, from the meticulously chosen furniture to Lillie’s bespoke mirrors, was auctioned off. The house then entered a new chapter, passing through the hands of various factory owners. The National Museum acquired Brede Hovedbygning in 1959. It was a diamond in the rough, bearing the marks of its past inhabitants. Years of meticulous restoration followed. By 1974, each room was returned to its original splendor. Lillie’s exquisite decorations were unveiled from beneath layers of overpaint. While only Lillie’s pier mirrors in the garden room and banquet hall remain from van Hemert’s time, the house has been refurnished. The furniture is arranged symmetrically along the walls, echoing the fashion of the late 18th century. Many pieces belonged to individuals within van Hemert’s social circle. Today, Brede Hovedbygning offers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family in the late 1700s. It stands as a beautifully preserved example of a complete Louis XVI interior. Brede Hovedbygning is more than just a museum. It is a time capsule. It is a whisper of elegance. And it’s a poignant reminder of fortunes both made and lost.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to