Gabriel Schanche Kielland
| Gabriel Schanche Kielland | |
|---|---|
| Born |
4 March 1760 Stavanger, Norway |
| Died | 5 March 1821 (aged 61) |
| Occupation | ship owner |
Gabriel Schanche Kielland (4 March 1760 – 5 March 1821) was a businessman and ship owner in the city of Stavanger in Norway.
In 1790 he took control of the family business Jacob Kielland & Søn and soon became one of the wealthiest and most distinguished figures in the city. Around 1800, he commissioned the building of the large country house Ledaal, which would later become a royal residence in Stavanger. In 1815, he was elected to the Parliament of Norway, though was unable to assume office. His personal success also facilitated the rise to prominence of other members of the Kielland dynasty, who became influential in the commercial, cultural and public life of Stavanger and of Norway for more than a century.
Gabriel Schanche Kielland was born in Stavanger as the only son of captain and businessman Jacob Jansen Kielland (1727–1788) and Elisabeth Schanche (1733–1784).
He originally intended to be a teacher, and studied Classics for seven years with private tuition. In practice, due to his father's declining health and his being the only son, he took over his father's business. He acquired burghership in Stavanger in 1783, and after four years in his own trade company, he became a partner in his father's company in 1787. He also conducted several travels to the Nordic countries, the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Dutch Republic, in order to study trade and to build a business network. After the death of his father in 1788, he bought shares from his sisters. In 1790 he merged the trade company and his inherited properties, creating the company Jacob Kielland & Søn.
The properties included a brickworks in Sandnes. The building of the country-house, Ledaal, was finished in 1803. As well as being a base for leisure and social gatherings, it also functioned as a small, private museum and library. Ledaal was acquired by Stavanger Museum in 1936, and opened as a royal residence in 1949.
Jacob Kielland & Søn was also heavily involved in shipping. In 1801 the company owned one fregate, one barque, six brigs and one galeas.
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