THE MANOR HOUSE

The beautiful manor house at Guldagergaard was originally built by the fruit farmer Kresten Troelsen who came to Skælskør from Jutland in 1910 to settle down. The large annex wing, which today houses the studios, was added to the farm in 1912. Kresten Troelsen was a thriving man who, during the 20th century developed Guldagergaard to be one of the most important plantations in the area. It was also Kresten Troelsen who founded the surrounding park and expanded it with plants and trees he brought with him home from travels throughout Europe.

For many years, until 1990, the lovely manor house was the heart of the Troelsen family’s large fruit and tulip farm, and it was well maintained. Between 1990 and 1997, the house was, however, empty, until one day the international and experimental artist group Clay Today laid eyes on the farm and decided that it was the perfect place to establish a refuge for ceramic artists. Since then, the manor house has again become the heart and home of the center.

The house has been kept in traditional style with wood panels and decorations combined with contemporary Danish design, a few of the house’s original furniture and a wealth of donations and gifts from ceramic artists. Today, this is where the artists live and gather, and here is always full of life, talk, and enthusiasm. The artists can either stay in double or single bedrooms, and all the rooms have been thoroughly renovated in 2012.

During a residency, you live with up to 12 other artists and this is an intense experience that former resident artists say they wouldn’t have been without. You network with other artists and by the end of your residency, you will have expanded your professional network with colleagues from all over the world.