GUNNAR AND MARIE-LOUISE DIDRICHSENGunnar Didrichsen (1903-1992), born in Denmark, came to Finland on a business trip in 1927. He decided to stay in the country, where he, in 1928 founded a company called Oy Trans-Meri Ab, that produces and imports techno-chemical products.Due to his excellent business skills Gunnar Didrichsen made a fortune that enabled him to acquire a collection of art together with his wife. Marie-Louise (born Granfelt, 1913-1988) had studied economics and worked until the beginning of the war, after which she took care of the family and the museum. Marie-Louise and Gunnar got married in 1939, after dating very intensely for a short period of time. Quite soon they realized they had a common interest: art and culture. Gunnar Didrichsen was not just interested in visual arts, but also in literature and music. Part of his collection of books can today be seen in the library next to the winter-garden in the living room. He also collected a remarkable collection of stamps and medals. As a result of Gunnar and Marie-Louise Didrichsen´s interest for music, concerts where held in the museum. With her elegant dresses, great social skills and a aesthetical sense, Marie-Louise Didrichsen often attracted attention in the media. Marie-Louise was interested in unconventional art and she could predict what was about to become respected in the near future. The couple often acquired art that was much discussed at the time, but today is appreciated. At the same time it is important to remember that the Didrichsens only bought works of art they both liked. The procures were made out of love for art. What had started as a general interest for culture and art, became - as time passed - a collection of great variety; a collection that is the foundation of the Didrichsen Art Museum. |
