A Life of Documentation and Industry
Ole Jørgen Rawert was a Danish civil servant, industrial historian, topographical writer, and illustrator. Born in Copenhagen, he was the son of Jørgen Heinrich Rawert and Anna Maria Krieger. After passing grammar school in 1803 and enrolling at the University of Copenhagen, he began a career as a copyist in the Kommercekollegiet in 1809. His professional life was deeply intertwined with trade and industry; he served as an associated member of the board of directors of the royal manufactories and was a co-editor, and later a full board member, of Handels- og Industritidende.
Rawert’s work was characterized by extensive travel throughout Denmark and Europe. He visited Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands, and Ireland. His travels often resulted in the creation of topographical watercolors, which served to document the places he visited. These drawings, along with copper print engravings based on his own and others' drawings, illustrated works such as Danske Egne.
Historical Contributions and Legacy
Throughout his career, Rawert focused heavily on the industrial state of various regions. He published Beretning om Industriens Tilstand i de danske Provindser in 1820 and later produced Kongeriget Danmarks industrielle Forhold fra de ældste Tider indtil Begyndelsen af 1848 in 1848, which is considered his most significant work. His writings often advocated for the establishment of polytechnic schools to improve industrial conditions. Additionally, his Almindeligt Varelexicon provided detailed information regarding the history and origins of everyday goods.
In his later years, Rawert served as a customs inspector in Copenhagen and a director of factories. His extensive collection of approximately 1,400 coloured drawings from his travels is held within the Royal Danish Library.
