Architecture and design

From the outset, architecture played a significant role in Helmer-Petersen’s work, and throughout his longstanding career he was able to combine his personal interest with his work as a professional photographer. In 1956 Helmer-Petersen established himself as a professional architecture photographer with his own studio in Copenhagen. For many years he worked with some of the most renowned Danish modern architects and designers such as Jørn Utzon, Mogens Lassen, Kay Kørbing, Poul Kjærholm, Finn Juhl, Mogens Koch and Nanna Ditzel.

The Royal Library has a wide photograph collection containing both Danish and foreign architecture photographs. The collections are mostly historical and is built on a topographical collection, and a collection of Danish architects. A broad selection of photographs by Keld Helmer-Petersen can be found here. For search in the database please type ‘Keld Helmer-Petersen’ and look for the name of the architect/designer, you want to see under ‘Author/Creator’.