The construction of the Horsens State Prison stands as the primary achievement of Frederik Ferdinand Friis, a Danish architect whose career spanned the early to mid-nineteenth century. His professional trajectory within the Kingdom of Denmark was defined by a steady ascent through the administrative ranks of the national building apparatus and deep academic involvement in Copenhagen.
Early Education and Recognition
Born in Copenhagen in 1793 to Peder Friis and Henriette Johanne West, Friis began his formal training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1814. During his studies, he earned several honors, including small and large silver medals. By 1821, he secured the small gold medal for his design of a military academy, followed in 1825 by the large gold medal for a custom house project.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Professional Apprenticeship and Roman Travel
Between 1822 and 1827, Friis served as an apprentice to Peder Malling. During this period, he supervised the construction of the new main building for Sorø Academy, a project necessitated by a fire that destroyed the previous structure. In 1828, he undertook a two-year residency in Rome. While abroad, he acted as an assistant to Just Mathias Thiele, gathering biographical details regarding the life and career of the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen for Thiele's four-volume study.
Administrative Roles and Academy Tenure
Upon returning to Denmark in 1831, Friis received an appointment as Royal Building Inspector for the island of Zealand. In 1850, his jurisdiction expanded to include the counties of Copenhagen, Frederiksborg, Holbæk, and Bornholm. His connection to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts remained central to his life, becoming a member in 1833. In 1852, he was granted the title of professor, later serving as the academy's vice-director from 1857. He also served on the Thorvaldsen Museum Building Commission starting in 1839.
Fast facts
- Born: 16 December 1793, Copenhagen
- Died: 18 March 1865, Copenhagen
- Education: Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
- Significant Project: Horsens State Prison
- Role: Royal Building Inspector of Zealand
- Professional Recognition: Titular professor, 1852
- Academy Position: Vice-director, 1857
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Denmark
Questions readers ask
What was the primary focus of the work of Frederik Ferdinand Friis?
He focused on classical architecture, serving as a Royal Building Inspector and contributing to institutional building projects in Denmark.
What was his connection to Bertel Thorvaldsen?
Friis was a family friend of the sculptor and assisted the biographer Just Mathias Thiele by interviewing Thorvaldsen while in Rome between 1828 and 1830.
Achievements
- Trained at Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
