J. C. Jacobsen
Jacob Christian Jacobsen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Denmark |
| Died | April 30, 1887 (aged 75) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, benefactor |
| Known for | Founder of Carlsberg brewery, founder of Carlsberg Laboratory and Carlsberg Foundation |
| Notable work | Carlsberg brewery, Carlsberg Laboratory, Carlsberg Foundation |
Jacob Christian Jacobsen (2 September 1811 – 30 April 1887), commonly referred to as J. C. Jacobsen, was a prominent Danish entrepreneur and benefactor, renowned for establishing the Carlsberg brewery.
Biography
Although lacking formal education, Jacobsen identified during the 1840s the necessity of applying scientific principles to beer production to achieve industrial-scale efficiency. In 1847, he founded the Carlsberg brewery located in Valby, near Copenhagen, naming it in honor of his son, Carl Jacobsen. Dedicated to producing superior quality beer, he inaugurated the Carlsberg Laboratory in 1875 to promote research in brewing technology.
Jacobsen engaged actively in political life, initially aligning with the National Liberal Party before adopting more conservative views later on. His political career included service as a Member of Parliament on several occasions between 1854 and 1871, along with membership on the Copenhagen City Council from 1843 until 1857. Additionally, he was an advocate for strengthening Denmark's military defenses and generously supported the arts, notably financing restoration efforts following the 1859 fire at Frederiksborg Palace.
In 1876, he founded the Carlsberg Foundation (), granting it majority ownership of Carlsberg as a means to secure the company’s future amid familial disagreements. A conflict with his son Carl resulted in the latter establishing the (New Carlsberg) Brewery in 1882; however, father and son reconciled by 1886.
Carl Jacobsen became a distinguished art collector of his time, assembling one of the largest private collections, which is now exhibited at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a museum he founded in Copenhagen.
Personal life
Jacobsen was married to Laura Cathrine Holst (1819–1911) and was the father of Carl Jacobsen (1842–1919). In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Copenhagen Faculty of Science in 1879 and received the title Commander 1st class of the Order of the Dannebrog in 1884.