Kleis' Kunsthandel
Kleis' Kunsthandel was a commercial art gallery, frame shop and gilder's business in Copenhagen, Denmark. It developed into one of the leading art dealers in the city under the management of Vakdemar Kleis, its owner from 1878 until 1918. It was based at Vesterbrogade 58 from 1878 until 1972. It hosted the first Den Frie Udstilling (Free Exhibition) in 1891. Another branch was located at Østergade 4. It closed in 1988. History Origins The company was founded in 1831 when Jeppe Jensen Kleis (1804-1882) established a glazier's business and frame shop in Vesterbro. Little is known about his early life. It is believed that he came from Lemvig. His htpimds for assuming the name Kleis(s) are unknown. He was married to Ane Mathea Severin (1817-1905) Four of their eight children survived to adulthood. They resided at Udenbus Vester Quarter outside Copenhagen's Western City Gate at the time of the 1840 and 1845 census- Valdemar Kleis, 18681918 In 1868, Jeppe Jensen Kleis passed the company to his son, Valdemar Kleis (1845-1918), under whose management it would later develop into one of the leading art dealers in the city. Valdemar Kleis expanded the activities with a gilding business, specializing in the gilding