Julie Laurberg

Biography

Born in Grenå, Laurberg trained under the painter and photographer Leopold Hartmann before continuing her studies in Paris and Italy. In 1895, she opened her own studio in the new Magasin du Nord building in central Copenhagen where she worked with her former pupil Franziska Gad. From 1907, when Gad became an official partner in her business, the studio became widely recognized, attracting well-to-do personalities to have their portraits taken. One of her most notable portraits is that of opera singer Margrethe Lendrop which was widely published as a post-card engraving. Known as Julie L. & Gad, in 1910 the firm received the status of court photographer.

Laurberg's architectural photographs were also appreciated, in particular those of the new goodsyard and the hall in the City Hall building. Between 1908 and 1910, she also took photographs of Christian IX's Palace at Amalienborg, many of which have been preserved as large prints.

Laurberg was also active in women's rights. She was a member of the Danish Women's Society (Dansk Kvindesamfund) and, in 1920, a founding member of the Women's Dwellings Association (Kvindernes Boligselskab). She also gave support to the role of women in photography which was becoming a popular profession for women at the time. Those working in her large photographic business were nearly all women.