View XML QR Code

August Werner photograph collection, 1896-1962

Overview of the Collection

Collector
Werner, August, 1893-1980
Title
August Werner photograph collection
Dates
1896-1962 (inclusive)
Quantity
18 photographs, 1 postcard (1 box)
Collection Number
PH0708
Summary
Images of University of Washington professor August Werner, his Leif Erikson statue, and a suite of photographs of Seattle and municipal Skagit River hydro-electric power projects
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public.

Request at UW

Additional Reference Guides

Languages
English
Return to Top

Biographical Note

August Werner was born in Bergen, Norway on December 5, 1893. He received a B.S. from the College of Agriculture in Stend, Norway in 1913 and graduated from the Masters School of Music in New York in 1924. Werner performed as a baritone both in the United States and in Europe. He sang as a soloist with symphony orchestras, churches, and choirs. He also performed as an invited soloist at various special events. Werner was a professor in the School of Music at the University of Washington from 1931 to 1965. He taught voice lessons and participated in recitals and in University opera productions. Werner directed the Norwegian Male Chorus and the Norwegian Ladies Chorus in Seattle. He also directed the Chanters of the Nile Temple Shrine. In addition, Werner acted as Director in Chief of the Pacific Coast Norwegian Singers' Association.

Werner was also an artist. He painted landscapes of Norway and scenes from Norway's history. Two of his sculptures located in Seattle are a bust of Beethoven at the University of Washington and a cast-bronze statue of the Norse explorer, Leif Erikson, presented to the Port of Seattle by the Leif Erikson League on Norway Day, June 17, 1962, at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. Governor Albert Rosellini, Mayor Gordon Clinton, Icelandic Consul Karl Fredrick, Norwegian Consul Christen Stand, and others spoke at the dedication of the statue. Werner directed the Norwegian Ladies Chorus and Norwegian Male Chorus at the ceremony. The twelve foot high Leif Erikson statue, which overlooks Shilshole Bay Marina in the Ballard area of Seattle was created by Werner in partnership with Trygve Nakkerud, John Engan, and Einer Stende. The four-foot maquette of the Leif Erikson statue is in the collection of the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle, Washington.

Werner was decorated by the King of Norway with the Order of St. Olav and as a Knight of St. Olav by the King of Sweden. He died in 1980.

Return to Top

Content Description

The collection consists of images of University of Washington professor August Werner and photographs related to his Leif Erikson statue and its dedication at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. It also contains a series of images of Seattle and the Skagit River Power Project.

Return to Top

Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

Return to Top

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Donor: Mrs. August Werner; received 1980.

Processing Note

Processed by Lew Guenther, 2005 and Linda Wagner, 2006.

Originally accessioned as PH2005-021.

Photographs were relocated from the August Werner Papers, Manuscript Coll. No. 2923, in the repository in 2005.

Return to Top

Detailed Description of the Collection

 


2008 (Last modified: 5/1/2020)

CC0

About Creative Commons Licenses in Archives West