In San Francisco painter Nels Hagerup (1864-1922) created over 6,000 canvases of San Francisco Bay and its Coast. He was known for his paintings of sand dunes and grasses, and San Francisco’s Bay and Coast.

He came to San Francisco in 1892, living at 1224 46th Avenue close to the Southwest corner of Golden Gate Park and a short stroll to Ocean Beach. He painted full time and worked part-time as as a stevedore on the waterfront.

He was born in 1864 in Kristiania, Norway, now Oslo. He is the nephew of Norwegian composer, Edward Grieg. Young Nels studied painting at the Royal Academy of Art in Berlin and in Copenhagen, Denmark with Carl Locher.

Details are not known, but at the age of 18 in 1882, Nels hurriedly left Norway. There are reports that he was the drinking buddy of Norway’s crowned prince found it prudent to leave his home country. Working as a merchant seaman, he made his way to Portland, Oregon, landing there in 1882. He worked as an instructor of drawing at the Bishop Scott Academy and was a founder of the Portland Art Association. ten years later in 1892, he moved to San Francisco.

Nels married Harriet Marie Hageman Hagerup  (1851 - 1918). She was born in Bergen, Norway on June 26, 1851. Harriet Marie and Nels came from Portland to San Francisco in 1892 and established a home at 1224 46th Avenue in the Sunset District, less than a block from Golden Gate Park and three blocks from Ocean Beach. To support his family, Nels worked as a stevedore. When not at work, he often walked to the beach and painted, and he is well known for his sand dunes, ships, and marine scenes and sunsets.

Mrs. Hagerup preceded Nels in death, and died on April 30, 1918. Her rare works include copies of religious genre and other artists' paintings; she seldom signed her paintings.

Not much is written or known of Nels Hagerup. Our gallery has been unable to find a photograph of him, but the search goes on. If you find a photo, please send it or tell us where to find it.

Source: Artists in California 1786 - 1940, Edan Milton Hughes, 3d ed. ; Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Art, Artists Biographies