Israel B. Melchior facts for kids
Israel Berendt Melchior (born May 12, 1827 – died September 7, 1893) was a Danish engineer and businessman. He was also a talented amateur photographer. People especially remember him for the photos he took of the famous fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen.
Life and Work
Israel Melchior was born in Denmark on May 12, 1827. He studied to become a civil engineer. This means he learned how to design and build things like roads, bridges, and buildings.
In 1874, Israel Melchior bought a paper factory called Valdemarshaab. It was located near the town of Køge. The factory had been damaged by a flood a few years earlier. Israel worked hard to fix it up.
By 1875, the factory was completely repaired. He also built a beautiful, large house next to it called Søvang. This house was designed in an Italian style. Sadly, the factory was completely destroyed by a fire in October of that same year. It was never rebuilt.
Israel Melchior lived in the amazing Søvang house from 1875 to 1884. He lived there with his wife, Johanne Melchior, and their four children. The Melchiors loved having guests. They often hosted parties and even put on small plays in their home.
A Passion for Photography
Israel Melchior was very interested in photography. When he built his house, Søvang, he made sure it had a special space for his hobby. The upper floor was designed to be a large photo studio. It had a big window overhead and a glass wall facing east to let in lots of light.
He often photographed his family. Every year, they had gatherings at Rolighed, which was their family's large home just outside Copenhagen. Many artists and writers would join these gatherings. The most famous guest was Hans Christian Andersen.
Hans Christian Andersen became friends with the Melchior family in 1862. He visited them often until he passed away at Rolighed in 1875. Israel Melchior took many photos of Hans Christian Andersen. He captured pictures of Andersen with the family and also took some special portraits of the writer starting in 1867.
Images for kids
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Israel Melchior: Family gathering at Rolighed in 1867 with Hans Christian Andersen (third from left)
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Israel Melchior: Hans Christian Andersen, portrait at Rolighed (1867)
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Israel Melchior: Rolighed, Østerbro
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Israel Melchior: Family group at Rolighed with Hans Christian Andersen and Moritz G. Melchior
