The photograph, taken on Jørgen Eigil Wiffert Dinesen’s 50th birthday in 1945, captures a special moment in both the family’s and Denmark’s history. It shows the guests at Jørgen Dinesen’s birthday celebration in 1945 - a dinner that not only marked his milestone birthday but also celebrated Denmark’s liberation from German occupation. The celebration, held a month and a half after the war ended, became a symbol of both personal and national victory.

Guests of the celebration
Among the 213 guests were a mix of family, friends, neighbors, and the estate staff, all closely tied to Kragerup Estate and the Dinesen family. The photograph includes several previous owners of the estate, such as Jørgen Eigil Wiffert Dinesen himself, the 6th generation of the Dinesen family to run Kragerup Estate. Standing behind him is his son, Erik Sophus Dinesen, who would later take over the estate. Also present among the festively dressed guests is Viveka Dinesen, the great-grandmother of the current estate owner, Regitze Dinesen, and Jørgen’s wife.

The entire staff was invited
Petrine, the housekeeper who worked at Kragerup for many years, is also captured in the photograph. She can be seen in the lower right corner, wearing a fur collar and glasses. Known for always having a Manna cigar in her mouth while preparing food for the household and guests, her long service at the estate made her an integral part of its daily life and festive occasions.

Jørgen Dinesen as a resistance fighter
This day was particularly special not only because of the birthday but also due to Jørgen Dinesen’s involvement in the Danish resistance movement during World War II. He played a key role as a resistance fighter, requiring both courage and strategic skill in the fight against the German occupation. During the war, Jørgen Dinesen was part of the O-group within the resistance, tasked with organizing resistance members in the area.

After the war and Denmark’s liberation, it was a profound joy and relief for both the Dinesen family and the other guests to gather under peaceful circumstances. The atmosphere in the photograph reflects this deep gratitude, with young housemaids, farmhands, family members, and friends all joining in the festivities.

This photograph at Kragerup Estate is not only a memory of a personal celebration but also of a time when the country regained its freedom.