Evald Rygh
Evald Rygh | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Verdal Municipality, Norway |
| Died | May 9, 1913 (aged 70) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, politician |
| Years active | 1880–1913 |
| Known for | Minister of Finance and Customs, Mayor of Kristiania (Oslo), CEO of Christiania Sparebank, Chairperson of the National Theatre |
Evald Rygh (26 May 1842 – 9 May 1913) was a prominent Norwegian banker and a politician affiliated with the Conservative Party. His notable roles included serving as the Minister of Finance and Customs as well as holding the office of mayor in Kristiania, presently known as Oslo.
Originating from Verdal Municipality, Rygh earned a law degree (cand.jur.). He was the sibling of archaeologists Karl Ditlev Rygh, who was also involved in conservative politics, and Oluf Rygh. Between 1880 and 1889, he fulfilled the duties of burgomaster of Kristiania. On 13 July 1889, he assumed the position of Minister of Finance and Customs within the first Stang cabinet, a tenure that lasted until the cabinet's dissolution on 5 March 1891. Subsequently, Rygh secured a seat in the Norwegian Parliament in 1892 representing the constituency of Kristiania, Hønefoss og Kongsvinger, completing one term. He returned as mayor of Kristiania from 1893 to 1894 and notably declined a ministerial appointment offered during the second Stang cabinet in 1893.
During 1895–96, Rygh spearheaded negotiations concerning a new Mellomrikslov between Norway and Sweden following Sweden's repeal of existing legislation in 1895. The failure of these discussions played a part in precipitating the eventual dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905.
Beyond his political career, Rygh served as CEO of Christiania Sparebank starting in 1893 and was appointed the inaugural chairperson of the National Theatre. Alongside Hans Hagerup Krag, he championed public access to natural outdoor spaces around Holmenkollen, Voksenkollen, and Frognerseteren. Through their involvement with the Holmen-Voksenkoll Society (established in 1888), they facilitated the development of Holmenkollen Chapel and winter sports amenities such as the Holmenkollen ski jump and Korketrekkeren luge track. A monument honoring Rygh is located at Holmenkollen; additionally, Oslo features Ryghs vei and Evald Ryghs plass named in his memory. In recognition of his contributions, he was decorated as Commander, First Class of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav in 1891.
Rygh passed away in 1913 and was interred at Cemetery of Our Saviour.