Karen Volf

Karen Volf was a Danish businesswoman who established a bakery in Hellerup, north of Copenhagen, in 1890. This was unusual for a woman at that time and place. She inherited the business from her father, who was also a successful industrialist. She had no formal education, but learned from her father's management skills and her own experience. She was passionate about producing high quality bricks and pottery, and employed up to 160 workers, whom she treated with respect and care. She also supported various causes in science, culture and sports. She funded the reconstruction of Frederiksborg Castle, which had been destroyed by fire in 1859. She also donated her art collection to the Carlsberg Foundation, which she was a member of. She received the Royal Medal of Recompense in 1951 for her contributions to Danish industry and society. She retired from her active role in the company in 1967, but remained a board member of another brick factory, Skandinavisk Molerindustri, until 1970. She died of old age in Hellerup and was buried in Hellerup Kirkegård. She was regarded as one of the most influential and visionary women in Danish history.