Henrik Ibsen’s Childhood - from Prosperity to Poverty

Henrik Ibsen was born in Skien on 20 March 1828. His father, Knud, was a merchant and distillery-owner. For many years, he was one of Skien’s highest taxpayers.

Henrik Ibsen was born in Skien on 20 March 1828. His father, Knud, was a merchant and distillery-owner. For many years, he was one of Skien’s highest taxpayers.

Ibsen’s first fifteen years in Skien were a journey through the social classes from prosperity to poverty. Prior to early summer 1834,the Ibsen family was one of the most wealthy in Skien. However, during the course of one short year, which started with the authorities’ abrupt closure of the distillery, the family was stripped of all its assets and made destitute.

In 1833, Knud Ibsen purchased Venstøp Farm as a holiday home for his family. When only two years later, he lost his fortune and his livelihood, his family had to move from the city and out to Venstøp on a permanent basis.

Henrik Ibsen lived at Venstøp Farm from the age of 7 to 15. It is commonly acknowledged that as a boy, he liked to play alone, though he also enjoyed putting on puppet shows and doing magic tricks for local children.

After his confirmation, 15-year-old Henrik went to Grimstad to become a pharmacist’s apprentice. He only returned to Skien once more during his lifetime.

Today Venstøp Farm houses the Henrik Ibsen Museum, where visitors can relive the sights and sounds of Ibsen’s childhood.

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