2026Blaafarvevaerket 250th Anniversary - Stamp Booklet

Blaafarveværket was founded in 1776 following Ole Witloch’s discovery of cobalt ore in Skuterudåsen in 1772. At the time, cobalt was highly valuable, and the site was established to produce cobalt blue pigment, used in porcelain, glass, and paper. By the 18th century, exports reached China and Japan. It became a miniature society with its own schools and welfare schemes. Blaafarveværket was a pioneer in social rights, offering medical care, sickness funds, pensions and free housing, lighting and heating. The workers’ movement gained early traction here, inspired by Marcus Thrane. In 1822, German businessmen Benecke and Wegner took over, modernising operations.