Knag furniture

Christopher Knag established himself as a furniture maker in Bergen in 1878, in a small workshop at Kroken 3 in Dreggen. At that time he had only 60 kroner in starting capital and had to begin with a rented workbench. At the end of the 19th century there were around 45 carpentry and furniture businesses in Bergen, so competition was fierce.

Knag quickly gained a good reputation as a skilled craftsman. He attracted journeymen and eventually apprentices. The premises became too small and he moved to Skostredet 1, and later in 1909 to Domkirkegaten 6, where the business remained.

Knag's production was aimed at a growing middle class, and eventually he also gained customers from the upper class. Some customers ordered furniture for entire rooms – with a unified style ranging from simple Empire to voluptuous Rococo. Knag would often prepare several drafts for the customer to choose from.

Knag placed great emphasis on quality, construction and stylish furniture. Orders came not just from Bergen but from across the country and abroad. He was particularly known for his work in intarsia – images in wood inlaid into furniture surfaces. At its peak the firm had around 60 employees.

In 1932 the business opened a branch in Oslo. In 1938 a sales branch, Interiørkunst AS, was established in Bergen, selling fabric, carpets, curtains and art. When Alf Knag died in 1975, Chr. Knag came to an end after 97 years of production.

The stately furniture lives on with collectors, in museums and at the hotel – or as treasured family heirlooms. We are proud to preserve the rich heritage of these magnificent handcrafted pieces. Most of the rooms at Haaheim are furnished with these beautiful pieces. A visit to Haaheim is a journey through times past.