Knud Graah

Who was Knud Graah?

Knud Graah was a Norwegian industrial pioneer, born in Thisted, Denmark.

He founded the cotton mill Vøiens Bomuldsspinderi in Nydalen, near the river Akerselva, after buying waterfall rights of the rivers Akerselva in 1844. Vøiens Bomuldsspinderi started production from 1846, and became one of the leading textile factories in Norway. Graah managed the factory for about sixty years. He was decorated Commander, Second Class, of the Order of St. Olav, and Knight of the Swedish Order of Vasa.

His granddaughter Lille Graah was interned at, and survived, the Ravensbruck Concentration Camp.