Once a tulip farm and apple orchard, Guldagergaard (pronounced Gool-aya-goh) translates to Golden Acre Farm in Danish. The manor house was the home for the family until 1990 and was kept in traditional style while incorporating contemporary Danish design. The estate is now a public park and around 1996 the manor house and outbuildings were converted into an international research centre for ceramics -- I am currently a resident here. On the grounds are also an extensive kiln park (8 different outdoor wood firing and gas kilns), the studio facilities, the Apple House gallery and sculpture garden.
The coffee table in the living room is decorated with ceramic tiles depicting the estate during its early years as a farm, and some of the surrounding features such as a beach (approximately 3km away).
The house accommodates up to 12 artists with 10 shared and private bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large shared kitchen, dining hall, and library/living room. I love my little minimal bedroom. The manor acts as a meeting place for all those involved with the centre and houses the staff offices. Bicycles are available to us for touring around the small sea-side town and on the countryside paths. I've really been enjoying hanging my clothes out on the line and using the linen roller in the laundry room. You will also notice pieces from the Guldegergaard collection throughout the house (guest artists are required to donate a ceramic work).
The view from my bedroom window is a large sculpture piece by UK ceramics celebrity Paul Scott.
Living here is very much a communal environment. Each night 1 or 2 residents cook dinner for everyone and we eat together in the dining hall. Many artists staying here at the moment are working as assistants for their accommodations. In exchange for working 4-5 hours at the centre (cleaning, studio maintenance, yard work, Guldagergaard ceramic projects, etc.) artists can stay without the fees. I was nervous about the communal living vibe, but this place has really positive energy, it's so comfortable, and everyone here is so great. I love it.
Check in on Thursday when I post about the studio facilities.
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