At the time, as women began to play an increasingly active role, it was realized that if they were to be professionally employed, there was a need for them to be trained in appropriate institutions.

[4] In 1875, the school was founded by the Danish Women's Society in rented premises in the Industrial Association Building.

The objective was to "provide women with training in drawing and other skills and abilities that might prove useful to them when seeking employment in the service of industry".

[6] Charlotte Klein, a member of the Women's Society, was a key figure in the school's creation and success.

Her husband, Vilhelm Klein, an architect who had founded the Craft School (Håndværkerskolen) in 1968, became chairman of the board.

From 1888, when an Art School for Women was opened at the Academy, students were admitted without further examinations if Tegneskolen provided a recommendation.

Those who studied at the school were employed by porcelain firms such as Bing & Grøndahl or in the areas of textiles, gold embroidery and weaving.

The side wing forms the southern margin of a small courtyard shared with neighbouring Hotel Alexandra.