A collection of over 6,000 books, along with manuscripts, maps, and a coin collection, formed the foundational bequest that led to the establishment of the Deichman Library in 1785. This legacy, left to the city of Christiania, serves as the permanent record of the entrepreneur and judge who spent his later years in Porsgrunn.
Early Career and Administrative Roles
Born in 1700, Carl Deichman spent his formative years in Christiania, the city now known as Oslo. His father, Bartholomæus Deichman, served as the Bishop of Christiania, while his mother was Else Rosemeyer. Deichman received his education at home, focusing on Latin, history, political science, and language. By 1726, he secured his first professional position at the court of King Frederick IV in Copenhagen. This early experience in royal administration preceded his 1733 appointment as Chancellor and assessor in the Christiania court trial.
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Deichman acquired practical technical knowledge concerning mining operations through exposure to the Kongsberg Silver Mines. Following the 1734 death of his uncle, Evert Deichman, he entered into several industrial partnerships. He joined his brother, Vilhelm Deichman, and his brother-in-law, Herman Leopoldus Løvenskiold, to purchase the Fossum works at Gjerpen. Between 1734 and 1741, the brothers held co-ownership of the Bolvig Ironworks, with Carl Deichman acquiring the share held by Løvenskiold in 1737. His portfolio further expanded in 1753 when he and his brother became co-owners of the Eidsfoss Ironworks in Vestfold. Upon the death of Vilhelm in 1769, Carl Deichman assumed sole ownership of their accumulated industrial holdings.
Philanthropic Legacy and Library Founding
The scope of Deichman's bibliophilic interests culminated in a significant donation to the public. Beyond his professional activities, he maintained a scholarly pursuit of literature and historical records. At the time of his death in 1780 in Porsgrunn, his private collection was comprehensive. Under the provisions of his will, this collection was bequeathed to the city of Christiania to facilitate the creation of a public library. This donation, combined with an additional endowment, provided the necessary infrastructure for what is now the Oslo Public Library, or Deichmanske bibliotek. Today, the library system has grown to include 22 branches across Oslo, though the original collection remains preserved in the main institution.
Fast facts
- Born: 1700, Odense
- Died: 1780, Porsgrunn
- Occupations: Judge, entrepreneur, bibliophile
- Memberships: Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters, Royal Danish Society for Fatherland History
- Key Business Interests: Fossum works, Bolvig Ironworks, Eidsfoss Ironworks
- Library Founding: 1785
Questions readers ask
What became of the Deichman collection?
It formed the initial basis for the Deichman Library in Christiania, which opened in 1785 and is preserved today.
In which industries did Carl Deichman hold interests?
He was involved in mining and ironworks, specifically the Kongsberg Silver Mines, Fossum works, Bolvig Ironworks, and Eidsfoss Ironworks.
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