Rolf Saenger Graae (29 September 1916 – 16 September 1996) was a Danish architect who is remembered for the churches and religious works he completed or restored in the style of the Klint school. He is also considered to be Denmark's most important 20th century organ designer.
Early life The son of a successful bank employee, Graae was born in Copenhagen, and first studied the history of art at Copenhagen University (1934–38) before attending the architecture school at the Danish Academy where he graduated in 1943. He served terms with Mogens Koch, Kay Fisker, Eiler Græbe and Kaare Klint (1946–48).Ebbe Hædersdal, "Rolf Graae", Kunstindeks Danmark & Weilbachs Kunstnerkeksikon. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
Career From 1950 to 1991, Graae coordinated over 300 church restoration projects in addition to planning four new churches and several other related works. His style emulated that of Kaare Klint, observing the principles of sound Danish architecture. His restoration work was based first and foremost on artistic objectives. Having completed more than 200 organ projects, Graae is considered to be Denmark's most important 20th century organ designer. He died in Hellerup.
Selected works
Østerlars Church, Bornholm, restoration together with Paul Høm (1955)"Østerlars kirke" , Nordens Kirker. Retrieved 23 June 2012. Risbjerg Church, Copenhagen, church design together with Helge Schønnemann (1959)"Risbjerg kirke", Moderne Dansk Kirkearkitektur. Retrieved 23 June 2012. St. Clement's Church, Bornholm, restoration and organ design (from 1960)"Klemensker kirke" , Klemensker - Rø Kirker. Retrieved 23 June 2012. Stengård Church, Bagsværd, church design together with Vilhelm Wohlert (1962)"Stengård kirke", Moderne Dansk Kirkearkitektur. Retrieved 23 June 2012. Frederick's Church, Copenhagen, organ design (1963)"Marmorkirkens musik" , Golden Days 2002. Retrieved 23 June 2012. Østermarie Church, Bornholm, restoration (1964)"Kirken" , Østermarie kirke. Retrieved 23 June 2012. Margrethekirken, Valby, church design together with Vilhelm Wohlert (1971)"Arkitektur" , Margrethekirken. Retrieved 23 June 2012."Margrethekirken", Moderne Dansk Kirkearkitektur. Retrieved 23 June 2012. Sankt Jørgens Kirke (St George's Church), Næstved, church design together with Erling Jessen and Vilhelm Wohlert (1978)"Kirken historie" , Sankt Jørgens Kirke i Næstved. Retrieved 23 June 2012. Himmelev Church, organ design (1985)"Himmelev Sogns orgler", Kirkemuik i Roskilde. Retrieved 22 June 2012. Bryndom Church, southwest Jutland, organ design (1990)
References
Bibliography Graae, Rolf: Hellerup Kirke, Copenhagen, Krohns Bogtrykkeri, 1975, 64 pages Graae, Rolf; Jessen, Erling: Stubbekøbing kirke, Maribo amt: beskrivelser, Denmark, 1985, 238 pages Graae, Rolf; Olesen, Ole: Fortegnelse over ældre orgler i danske kirker, Copenhagen, Det danske Orgelselskab, 1987, 12 pages