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Images of the new Norway – Anders Beer Wilse’s photography

Photographer Anders Beer Wilse (1865-1949) gave us the image of modern Norway: the conquering of nature through exploration and industrialisation, shaping the "Norway" brand as we still see it today.

By Anders Beer Wilse / Photo
Published 13 Mar, 2015
 
65.000 Volt oil switch from Årlifoss power station, built in 1911.

65.000 Volt oil switch from Årlifoss power station, built in 1911.

Secondary station, Bergen Municipal Electricity Works, Solheimsviken.

Hauen transformer station at Årlifoss power station, 1911.

Transformer at Tønsberg Electricity Works.

Kiste power station, 1916.

50.000 Volt collector, from Tønsberg Electricity Works.

Control desk for three 60.000 Volt generators, Oltedal power station, operational in 1909.

65.000 Volt separating switches, Kiste power station, built 1915-1916.

Såheim power station, also known as Rjukan II. Hand-tinted transparency.

Anders Beer Wilse (1865-1949)

Norwegian photographer Anders Beer Wilse (1865-1949) has played an important part in the shaping of Norway’s national self-image. He is perhaps most famous for documenting Norway’s landscape and its natural and urban life, but he also worked as a photographer for many major Norwegian companies – among them Norsk Hydro. In a current exhibition at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, Wilse’s work for these companies is presented on a larger scale than ever before.

Facts:

The exhibition «Kraft - Wilses industrifoto», was on show at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology from 5th February to 15th December 2015. Curator was photo archivist Thale Sørlie.

The large collection of photographs Anders Beer Wilse left behind is divided between many different institutions. These photographs are from the collection of the Norwegian Museum og Science and Technology. Photos reproduced by courtesy of Norsk Teknisk Museum and DEXTRA Photo.