Previously the site of both an oats mill and an arrow manufactury, the lot was acquired in 1779 by Thomas Potter. Born in Edinburgh, he had emigrated to Denmark at an early age where he founded an iron foundry, Denmark's first, which he moved to his new property from its previous location on rented land at Applebys Plads. The house was built in 1785 to a design by an unknown architect. It had offices on the ground floor, packing in the cellar and his residence on the first floor. Located to the rear of the new building, the foundry manufactured "iron pots in all shapes" as well as everything from nails and bullets to ship anchors. Some of its products was exported to both the East and West Indies. Potter experienced deep personal griefs while he lived at the building, losing two wives.
Changing owners
In 1790, Potter sold the house to a royal mecanicus, Andrew Mitchell, who established in button factory in the building. Poul Morten Johansen, a manufacturer of carriages, acquired the property in 1800. In 1808, he sold it to Arent Harboe. He died later that same year and the property was then owned by his widow Marie Dorothea Neumann until ceded to CopenhagenFire Insurance in 1823-24. Later residents include the painter Julius Exner who lived there from 1861. In the 1890s, the property was owned by the furniture maker Fritz Hansen and used as a home for veterans.
Brøste's house
After the property was acquired by Ulf Brøste, a grocer, he brought his local historic collection of artifacts, images and archeological finds from Christianshavn, displaying them in the building. Most of the Brøste Collection was later transferred to Frieboeshvile while some artifacts were donated to Christianshavn Local Historic Society and Archives. A statue of Christian IV by William Fredericia used to be seen in a niche in the building but was removed when the company P. Brøste closed inthe 1990s and has now been installed in an auditorium at Christianshavn Gymnasium.
Architecture
The Brøste House is designed in the Neoclassical style and consists of eight bays towards the canal under a black mansard roof. It has only seen few changes but the original gate was replaced in the 1940s. It was listed by the Danish Heritage Agency in 1918.
Current use
The building was modernized and converted into offices by C.W. Obel in the 2000s. In 2011, it was acquired by Barfoed Group, a property investment company based in Odense.
