Peter Hersleb Classen

[1] Classen had shown special interest in the cotton factory on Blegdamsvej in Copenhagen's Østerbro district.

When it came into private ownership in 1782, despite the fact that he was one of its shareholders, he was charged with its supervision on behalf of the state, contributing significantly to its expansion.

[2] In 1792, on the death of his brother, the enterprising industrialist Johan Frederik Classen, he returned to Denmark, where he untiringly strove to implement his will which had laid out terms for establishing Det Classenske Fideicommis, a charitable foundation.

When the foundation built a library at 38 Amaliegade in Copenhagen,[3] it was by a design of Classen, an amateur architect, who was probably assisted by Andreas Kirkerup.

[4] Until his death, Classen devoted all his time and energy to the management of the estate and the fideicommiss, living at the Corselitze manor on the island of Falster where he took special care of the local workers and their families.