Valentine's Day 2022 Guide
PXFUEL
WEEKEND
SPAS, SUGAR, SUPPER AND SUBTITLES: THE MORE BUBBLES THE BETTER PIXABAY
By Lena Hunter Put on your best togs because you’re going out for Valentine’s Day. Pack a swimsuit and prepare to be spoiled rotten Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and Copenhagen has plenty of options for celebrating. On the face of it, the density of quality restaurants, designer cafes, picturesque waterside spots and destination galleries should make it easy to find a date activity. Fierce competition Unfortunately, the density of Copenhageners means competition is eye-wateringly stiff for restaurant tables, pretty canal paths, and elbow room at ticketed events. With restrictions lifting in Denmark on February 1, now is the time to get in early with your Valentine’s Day treat. Check out our list of Copenhagen’s hottest spas, restaurant booking hacks, and new films to get ahead of the game.
SPA WITH ONE ANOTHER AIRE Ancient Baths Doesn’t it feel like every influencer on your Instagram is going to AIRE Ancient Baths? The luxury Greco-Roman inspired spas, which started in Spain 20 years ago, are on an expansion mission – opening fresh outposts in the US, London and – lucky for us – Copenhagen. The hype is not without reason. Guests of the new candlelit, subterranean AIRE in Carlsberg Byen can lounge in thermal baths of either 40, 36, 10, or 6 degrees Celsius.
Ni’mat Inside the sprawling Hotel Kong Arthur in the centre of Copenhagen, Ni’mat Spa offers a range of Asian-inspired relaxation treatments: from hot-stone massages to steam baths and vitamin face-treatments. With ornate wooden décor and a jungle of indoor plants, Ni’mat has strong Bali-villa vibes that make it an ideal hideaway to de-stress with your partner – just a stone’s throw from the city centre. CopenHot
DUET AT DINNER If you’re braving a restaurant on V Day, then you’d better get your reservation in early. Book a table for 19:30 or later to avoid getting booted out by the second seating, and pick a place with good service. To make the decision easier, from February 11-20, a city-wide dining celebration called DinnerDays will see a slew of the capital’s hottest restaurants offer three courses for 215 kroner. The event, which happens twice a year (in weeks 7 and 42), has been running since 2015 and is organised by DinnerBooking – Denmark’s leading restaurant booking platform.
Also available are a pressured jet-pool, aromatic steam room, and a soothing salt bath of the same salinity as the Dead Sea. Massages, detoxifying Himalayan salt rituals, and wine and beer baths are just a few of their extra treats, and a series of experiences for couples dubbed ‘Lovers’ Connection’ is running from February 11-14 (see page 8 for more details).
Take a look at the participating restaurants and make a booking at dinnerbooking.com. Or check out the competition, Copenhagen Dining Week, at diningweek.dk.
Marry wellness with adventure at CopenHot – an outdoor spa experience on Refshaløen that allows you to cruise the Copenhagen canals in a floating hot-tub or pitch up in a woodfire-heated barrel pool on the harbour. Warm up in the sauna after a dive into the frosty February canal and enjoy the open sky with your beau on a Valentine’s spa trip to remember.
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Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen • Layout: CPH POST Info: hans@cphpost.dk • Tel: +45 2420 2411
WEEKEND TOP TREATS FOR TWO Eclairs at Queen’s Delight These are the best eclairs you will ever try – better than the French ones! Made freshly every day early in the morning – passers-by can testify that they never sell second-day eclairs, which is actually their motto. Opposed to the traditional eclairs that tend to be made with a moister dough, Queen’s Delight (Grønnegade 37, Cph K) has its own take on the pastry, which is more crunchy. Add creative flavours such as crunchy hazelnuts, salted caramel and tiramisu, and we’re talking about eclair perfection! Donuts at Dough Girls
Nibbles at Daddy’s Bakes Imagine a shop where you could pick up a picnic already made: sandwiches, bites and sweets, all for you to cheerfully consume at the beach or in the park. Well, Daddy’s Bakes (Tåsingegade 51, st th, Cph Ø) is on the case with finger food inspired by seasonal produce and natural flavours. Choice meat cuts, scones, cakes and sarnies to die for – the influence of the British founder is obvious in every delicious bite.
COUPLING AT THE CINEMA Dough Girls is run by a family of GermanAustralians: the parents bake the donuts, the daughters run the shop. Located in Nørreport (Frederiksborggade 50, Cph K), just a few steps from Dronning Louises Bro, they bring donuts to a fancy level with creative ideas such as the Lamington Doughnut, which takes inspiration from a traditional Australian cake, a raspberry Berliner and classic Danish drink. All the donuts are baked fresh every day using organic, high quality ingredients. They are top-notch! Pastries at Hart Bageri Forget every pastry you’ve ever tried, because once you go to Hart (Gammel Kongevej 109, Frederiksberg) your heart belongs to them forever. Let’s start with their take on the Danish cinnamon roll. Topped with lemon glaze this roll melts in your mouth with crunchy bits of cinnamon caramel – our absolute favourite. Then there’s the cardamom bun made with the same dough as their croissant and dipped in browned Danish butter – it’s out of this world, and you certainly don’t want to share. Whatever they bring is always a hit; they’re constantly reinventing themselves and finding new inspirations. Pop by and enjoy a taste of paradise.
Romcom snuggles
directed by Maria Schrader. The narrative follows Dr Alma Felser, an archaeologist tasked with evaluating the behaviour of a human AI robot called Tom. Things inevitably get thorny when the line between artificial and biological intelligence becomes blurred. Another on-topic film, ‘Marry Me’, sees pop star Kat Valdez gearing up to get married in front of an audience of her loyal fans. But, seconds before the ceremony, she busts her fiancé’s cheating ways and, distraught, locks eyes with a total stranger in the crowd and marries him on the spot in lieu. Can the unlikely newlyweds make it work? Finally, ‘Tag min Hånd’ (Take my Hand) is a Danish romcom that follows comfort-seeking Maja as she struggles to regain control over her life after divorce. Dark chocolate instead If you want a different flavour, ‘Nightmare Alley’ is Guillermo del Toro’s newly released neo-noir psychological thriller – his first film since ‘The Shape of Water’ cleaned up at the Academy Awards in 2018. In 1940s New York, down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle endears himself to a clairvoyant who helps him climb the social ladder by swindling the elite and wealthy. But when he enlists a strange psychiatrist to help him con a shady tycoon, things start to spiral out of control.
The cinema is another stone-cold classic date activity, but should you lean into the love theme or go for the polar opposite: a slasher, crime thriller or the like? Hitting the screens this Valentine’s Day are plenty of options in both camps. If you want love, try ‘I’m Your Man’, a German science fiction romance film written and
Another two non-romances worth catching are ‘Lamb’ - an Icelandic-Swedish-Polish folk-horror that follows a farming couple who discover one of their sheep has birthed a freaky lamb-human hybrid, and ‘Vildmænd’, a black comedy by Danish director Thomas Daneskov in which the protagonist Martin, gripped by a mid-life crisis, attempts to flee his family to live high up in the Norwegian mountains.
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BEAUTY ALL PHOTOS: PIXABAY
BARBARA MENSAH ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL London-born Barbara Mensah, a professional international makeup artist for 12 years (and lash stylist for four), relocated to Copenhagen in 2017, where she is the owner of the Barbara Mensah Beauty Studio. The cosy, chic studio provides a welcoming, comfortable space for clients to spend their time getting glammed and pampered for all special occasions. Ladies, let’s get ready for your Valentine’s Day date! Time to nestle down with your Beauty Editor, for tips galore! So, you’ve bagged yourself a hot date, or your partner has finally decided they’re going to take you out for a romantic evening. Only issue here is you’re not prepared. But worry not. There’s a few simple steps to ensure a fabulous date on Valentine’s Day. It’s a whole process, but in essence it’s about giving off the right impression. You want to give off the vibes of being sexy, glamorous and classy.
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Sexy underwear Let’s start with the most important thing. Clean, fresh underwear is a must. Even better if you’re able to buy a new set. Choose what makes you feel sexy. Choose a style and shape that enhances your best assets. There are no specific rules. However, keep in mind what you will be doing on the date. It’s a good idea to choose something appropriate depending on the activities planned.
Dress to impress The outfit has to be head-turning and mind-blowing! Usually you have an idea of where your date will be taking you – so choose an outfit that you feel comfortable, sexy and sassy in. But remember to dress for your shape – wear something that flatters your figure. You definitely don’t want to be constantly adjusting a short dress that is too small or pulling at straps that keep falling off the shoulder. It’s irritating for you and awkward for the date.
BEAUTY
Adventurous hair! If you’re anything like myself, I prefer my fav hairdresser to come up with some magic to get my style on point for these kinds of special occasions. So book yourself into a hair salon. Even if it’s just for a blow dry. If you are doing your hair yourself, consider treating your hair with a mask or keratin treatment; making sure your hair is fully dry before curling or straightening; and not trying excessively complicated styles for the first time before the date.
Location is important Make sure you know where you are going so that you can dress for the occasion appropriately. While a sexy black dress with killer heels will be a welcomed bonus, it may be a bit awkward if you pull up at an ice skating rink. Ask your date where you’re going and what you should wear. Clean edges You should be exercising good oral hygiene in general. There’s nothing like a fresh minty breath and smile to boost you and your date’s confidence. Who knows if there will be some kissing action going on at the end of the date. And remember to enjoy a luxurious shower or bath. Get yourself relaxed and get into your happy place. It’s a great moment to unwind and mentally prepare yourself. Bad body odour is just a ‘No No’ on any kind of date. Good quality makeup The key here is to accentuate your best features to give you the extra sprinkle of confidence needed. Use a good quality base moisturiser, concealer and foundation. Highlight and contour as needed. Don’t forget a spare lipstick for your purse - who knows where the night may be.
Confidence is key! Exuding confidence on a date is uber attractive. So you’re going to have to figure out a way to box some of your insecurities away for the VDay date Remember to know your worth! It makes you less reliant on another person’s approval. If you’re constantly questioning yourself, you’re subconsciously requesting others do the same. Change your mindset: instead of asking yourself whether your date likes you, ask yourself: Do I like them?
DATING PIXABAY
MAROUA SAJEB DATING THE DANES Maroua (marouasajeb.com) is a dating coach who helps women to attract men with meaningful romantic connections. Maroua, who managed to turn around her dating life from horrorland to a fun playground, is open to grabbing a coffee over Zoom with anyone who wants to talk about their dating situation. Connect with her via facebook.com/maroua.saj.
FOR COUPLES Set realistic expectations Depending on where you come from and the way your parents celebrate this day for lovers, we in turn get inspired to shape our own idea of ways of celebrating and the gifts we wish to receive. If the reality turns out to be different, we can’t help but feel disappointed. Ladies, regardless of how high or low your expectations are, you need to talk it out with your partner. Get out of your fantasy world and get on the same page with your lover. I know talking it out might feel less romantic but you will be doing yourself and your partner a favour. My heart also goes out to men, as they have this impossible mission of guessing what you would actually like, and how they can make you ladies happy. Before having the talk with your partner, do another reality check. After all, this day is like any other day, so ask yourself if there are other forces at play putting pressure on you? For instance, is wanting to post the best celebration picture on social media, and comparing it to your friends’, a priority? Know what drives you, so you can take control and set realistic expectations for the both of you. Don’t let it define you I have been brought up in a family where Valentine’s Day was a big deal, and every year my dad would offer a grandiose gift and a massive bouquet of flowers to my mother.
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RULING VALENTINE’S DAY BEFORE IT RULES YOU Seeing that model of celebration for many years gave me the unshakable idea that my partner, from years ago, had to do the same, because the contrary would mean that I am not as loved and appreciated as my mother. BOOM! The lovers day was set for an explosive romance. We had the perfect combo of me hoping for some specific Hollywood treatment and my partner feeling pressure to intuit my wishes. Instead of fun times we cooked up an unnecessary recipe for conflict. Valentine’s Day should not be the one and only day you check in on how the relationship is doing. The day usually takes different shapes based on whether people believe in doing something special, and not everyone does. To some men, it just doesn’t make that much sense. Plan something together Negotiations take place not only in business, but also in love. Some people aren’t into the whole Hallmark holidays, so try to find some middle ground with your partner. Give each other space to express how you feel about this day: hopes, dreams, dreads and anxieties. You can also share how your parents celebrated or ignored Valentine’s Day and the
beliefs your parents held about the holiday. Listen to each other with no judgment. Listen without reacting. Do get specific, though. For example, maybe your ideal date would be picking three restaurants, and then your partner choosing one, making the reservation and bringing you a dozen red roses. Or if your partner thinks the celebration is just too cheesy, then find another day. After all it’s about you spending a lovely time together. Lesson for the ladies A special note here for the ladies who would never, in a billion years, share that they do actually wish and desire for a special something on Valentine’s Day. Instead, they vocalise nothing out of fear of being disappointed or seen as needy. You might be out of practice with asking for what you want, and your partner might be used to you not really showing any interest in this day. But just this time, try! Try to share your desires with your man. He might not really get it the first time, but at least he would have tried and you would have opened a more honest dialogue in your relationship for the rest of the year.
DATING FOR SINGLES Whether you’re single by choice, recently broken up, or you just haven’t found Mr or Mrs Right yet, you don’t have to sit out of the V-Day celebration just because you’re riding solo. Valentine’s Day is not a day reserved only for couples so instead of seeing it as one big reason to feel extra lonely, be the type of person who just finds any excuse to celebrate life! Getting started! Start by taking some time to acknowledge your ‘singleness’ and make it a point to not allow your relationship status to affect the way you feel about yourself. As psychotherapist Hilda Burke says: “Many singletons imagine their coupled-up counterparts are having a better time of it – particularly on Valentine’s Day. It’s human nature to think the grass is always greener. But the fact is that being single is no better nor no worse than being in a couple.” Whether you are single or in a relationship, it is crucial to spend time every day embracing the life you live. Make V-Day a day to celebrate the love you have for anyone special in your life - starting with yourself.
Don’t feel bad Feeling sad or lonely from time to time is normal. Even those in a relationship feel that way. But dwelling on those emotions can lead to self-pity and that’s not helpful. Gain perspective instead: most people are single, and you should look forward to meeting your future partner, not questioning whether it will happen. See potential, not limitations. Take this opportunity to take stock of your life – the good as well as the bad – and choose to be grateful for all the good things you have in life.
likely to have the opposite effect on your mood. Instead create a plan with which you can be productive: like doing something that you love, or trying out something you have never done before but always wanted to. This will help improve your confidence as you experience new things, and you will feel a great sense of achievement. Then, throw in some self-care practices, such as a spa treatment, a massage, a mani pedi or a little sexy session with your toy companion for a full body care.
You should not define the significance and value of your life by whether or not you’re in a relationship, but that’s what often happens on Valentine’s Day.
Lastly, you can finish off the day with a night out with your single girlfriends. This will give you a great sense of belonging and a feeling of being connected to others. Plus, wherever you go, there are going to be tons of people who are not currently in a relationship, so go and mingle!
Think of the dating life as an ecosystem: every day there are many single men and women that are going in and out of the market.
Just another day! All of this is to say that you alone can choose what to make out of Valentine’s Day.
Your future better half might be in a relationship right now, learning some lessons on how to be a better partner. And you should be learning how to be single and happy enough on your own.
Is it a day to celebrate life, nurture gratitude, enjoy good communication and take selfcare to create a wonderful relationship with yourself and your future/current partner?
Celebrate the day! While your first thought might be to cheer yourself up by overindulging with a bottle of wine on the couch binge-watching Netflix, this tactic is
Or is it a day that bruises your self-worth and puts your relationship in jeopardy? Which one is it going to be?
LINGERIE
SHERYL YIP STYLE STIL Sheryl is the fashion and bespoke wedding dress designer at her own Copenhagen-based atelier, @sherylyipbridal. Her designs have been worn by hundreds of brides around the globe. Passionate about couture and customisation, she believes dressing well-fitted to personality and body-figure is the strongest fashion statement. Following her relocation from Hong Kong in 2019, Sheryl lives in Copenhagen. Wondering what to wear to lift your mood on Valentine’s Day? Why not take an approach with pheromones in mind. No matter how you like to celebrate, why not have a little excuse for treating yourself to beautiful, seductive lingerie? After all, wearing beautiful underwear will always boost your confidence. Here are my picks for a few romantic surprises. Sheer illusion The Parisian lingerie brand simply demonstrates the art of wonders. Its Fleur de Tattoo Collection from Aubade displays an oh-so-soft hand-feel with ultra delicate laces. It plays around with transparency in floral embroidery onto fine tulle for illusion effect. The intricate graphic combined with striped fabric creates a modern outlook on the allured pieces. This collection undoubtedly empowers your femininity and confidence.
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Lingerie from Aubade at Wunderwear.dk; Black, nude, red all available
LINGERIE Customise your own perfume As Christian Dior once said: “Perfume is a mark of female identity and the final touch of her style.” Have you ever thought of customising your perfume with a romantic odour? I do and I always crave for it. Natural essential oils like ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, patchouli and rosewood are perfect ingredients in creating seductive and romantic scents. Perfume is just like clothing; customising your own unique perfume will give you extra confidence and attractiveness.
Sensual red We all know that classic black lingerie is a safe choice ... but irresistible. However don’t underestimate the fulfilment of wearing colourful lingerie, even if no-one sees it. The Dressing Floral Collection from Lise Charmel is a timeless choice. Beautiful lingerie for women of elegance with amazing taste, it is designed with opulent guipure lace and attention to detail. The centre cut-out is a brilliant design for a sensual cleavage. This charming collection from the French brand offers different colours every year – from Valentine red to trendy dark green.
Linger in luxury The Copenhagen-based bespoke atelier is not only offering bridal couture but also designing custom-made boudoir robes for women who love to empower femininity. This sensual lace robe features luxurious Chantilly lace on a French tulle background with pure silk satin. The delicate lace robe is handcrafted with love for 85 hours by the designer inside her Copenhagen atelier. This exquisite robe is a celebration of femininity and couture, designed to be treasured and adored by a woman like you. What are you waiting for?
Customised natural aroma perfume and beauty serum with pure essential oils (photo by Sheryl) Sexy with Knowledge Books are good Valentine gifts for your beloved or yourself! Enrich yourself with new knowledge, as continuous learning brings you inner beauty.
Fashion books at new-mags.com
Lingerie set from Lise Charmel at wunderwear.dk. Red, black and dark green all available
Made-to-Measure French Chantilly Lace Robe from Sheryl Yip Atelier at sherylyipbridal.com
CONCLUSION: No matter what kind of fashion and perfume you are wearing, remember to dress in confidence and be yourself. Enjoy a sensual Valentine’s Day. If you have any insights you would like to share with me, feel free to PM me through IG@ sherylyipbridal or hello@sherylyipbridal.com. Good luck, gorgeous!
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HISTORY
QUEEN WOOED BY BEDSIDE MANNER AS CUPID STRIKES IN CHRISTIANSBORG By Sean Coogan
You’ve probably seen ‘A Royal Affair’ and presume you know everything about the affair that cost Johann Struensee his head and British princess Caroline Mathilde her consortship, but think again … When Johann Struensee first met the young British princess Caroline Mathilde in 1766, never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined that he – a German doctor working in the slums of Jutland – would one day become her lover, and the most powerful man in Denmark.
KRISTIAN ZAHRTMANN
The brief meeting took place in Altona when the 15-year-old princess stopped over on her way from England to her new home in Copenhagen where she would join her cousin – and now husband – King Christian VII in the royal quarters at Christiansborg. It quickly became apparent that it was not a fluffy teenage romance, but a rather unhappy marriage from the start. Her 17-year-old husband seemed to enjoy drowning her in spiteful remarks and using her as a verbal punch-bag. Crazy King Christian The young king was psychologically unstable and suffered from anxiety attacks, outbursts of anger, paranoia, self-mutilation and hallucinations – possibly due to schizophrenia. He often vented his anger by going ballistic at Copenhagen’s nightspots. The young king had to be persuaded to consummate their marriage, which was strange as he was a familiar face at Copenhagen’s brothels.
Struensee started to see a lot of Queen Caroline Mathilde. They spoke for hours about politics and philosophy and soon the young queen and German doctor became fully-fledged lovers. Relations between king and queen also improved, prompting one courtier to note: “The strange thing about it all, is that the relationship between the king and queen apparently has never been better. They are talking to each other continually.”
Queen Caroline Mathilde quickly became pregnant, after which the king ordered her to stay home during the summer, while he went away for months at a time with his mates. He would raid brothels in search of his favorite prostitute, Anna Cathrine Benthagen, a mediorcre looking woman by all accounts.
Political and chamber bed fellow The affair changed Struensee’s motives. As a physician, he had persuaded the king to sleep with his queen, and now as a lover he did the same – how else could he explain the fact that the queen was pregnant again! A new little princess, Louise Augusta, was born on 7 July 1771.
Christian was said to be drawn to her because of her ability to satisfy his peculiar inclinations. His uncontrollable urge to masturbate was a popular subject of gossip within the royal court after he was caught with his trousers around his ankles between courses at a royal feast.
Struensee had by this time become powerful and made enemies. The people affected by Struensee’s decision to fire staff and slash salaries started gossiping about his overt relationship with the queen. Gossip started to spread that the new-born princess was Struensee’s child.
Meeting destiny Christian recruited Struensee for his grand tour of Europe in 1768 after which he made him his personal physician. Caroline Mathilde did not trust nor like Struensee, even though the doctor did his best to improve his health and even ordered him to take cold showers in order to control his masturbation.
Struensee didn’t limit himself to invading the king’s territory in the royal bedchamber. When it came to political decisions, he was the king’s puppeteer. Before long, Struensee made sure that he didn’t need the king’s signature to pass laws and was now in reality the country’s dictator.
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A mother’s revenge In the end it all became too much for the queen mother, Juliane Marie, who had watched in disbelief as the German doctor swept in and manipulated her step-son, pushing her own son away from the circle of power. She swiftly arranged a coup. On 17 January 1772, at four in the morning, King Christian awoke to the sight of candlelit faces surrounding his bed, telling him that Struensee and Caroline Mathilde were plotting to kill him! Little did he know that this was part of the queen mother’s plan. The frightened king quickly signed documents authorising the arrest of the two alleged plotters. Caroline Mathilde was awoken by hammering at her door and, as it dawned on her that the curtain had fallen, her panic-stricken screams echoed throughout the hallways of Christiansborg as she cried out for her husband. She was placed under house arrest at Kronborg Castle before being taken to Germany (of all places), never to see her children again. Struensee, meanwhile, admitted to the affair under interrogation and was sentenced to death for his crimes against the crown. His relationship with the queen was not mentioned in the official sentence though, since Caroline Mathilde was the sister of George III, the king of England. King Christian VII was portrayed as being ‘freed’ by the queen mother, but in reality he had just acquired a new puppet-master.
HISTORY
DENMARK’S ANSWER TO RUDOLPH VALENTINO WAS ARGUABLY A BIGGER STAR By Mark Walker
Valdemar Psilander, a philanderer and prolific performer, predated the Latin Lover by a decade and, like him, died in his early 30s Viggo Mortensen is half-Danish and almost an A-list actor these days, but he’s not the first to become a world star. Turn back the clock a century, and one of the biggest stars of the silver screen was a Dane. Bigger pictures ahead After his debut in a minor role in a small-scale adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s ‘Picture of Dorian Gray’, Valdemar Psilander entered the public consciousness in 1911, heralding a golden age for Danish cinema. Psilander’s first film at Nordisk Film duly followed: ‘Temptations of a Great City’ (‘Ved Fængslets Port’). Directed by August Blom, Nordisk’s star director at the time, the film concerned a rich stateswoman whose son (Psilander) falls for Anna, the daughter of a lowly money-lender. Disowned, the son lives beyond his means on the brink of suicide. DFI.DK
As Psilander’s career took off, the character became the blueprint for his roles: a vulnerable but heroic romantic with frustrated morals. Art mirrored life Essentially belonging to the genre of ‘erotic melodrama’, the film’s three themes of blind love, monetary greed and suicide could easily be applied to his own life. Between 1911 and 1917, Psilander performed in no less than 83 productions for Nordisk Film. With global hits such as ‘A Revolutionary Wedding’ (‘Revolutionsbryllup’, August Blom, 1915), ‘The Black Dream’ (‘Den Sorte Drøm’, Urban Gad, 1911) and ‘The Clown’ (‘Klovnen’, AW Sandberg, 1917), which is widely considered to be his best role, he became the highest paid actor of his generation, earning an annual salary of 100,000 kroner (the second highest paid Danish actor was Olaf Føns, who earned just 14,000 kroner). But in March 1917, at the apex of his career, he was found dead in his room at the Bristol Hotel. He was just 32 years old. Silent appeal Psilander’s appeal can be attributed to two factors, the first of which was timing. Silent cinema was unique in that a film or an actor could attract a global audience unhindered by the language barrier. His films could command huge audiences anywhere, while contemporary categorisations such as ‘foreign language’ or ‘art-house’ had yet to be implemented.
The second factor was that he was actually very good. Watching even one of his earliest works such as ‘Den Sorte Drøm’ (1911), it’s easy to see how his style contrasts with the other performers he shares the screen with. His gestures are naturalistic, uninflected and less considered than those around him. It’s clear he had an innate intuition regarding how to act before the camera at a time when many around him were transitioning from the stage, still performing for the benefit of cheap seats. Playing to everyone In one of his very few interviews, given to København Avis in 1913, Psilander spoke admirably about his process. “We so often see fine stage actors become nothing on film because they don’t understand that it depends upon concentration,” he said. “The interesting thing about film is that we play to all social classes and in all parts of the world. We must in our means of expression appear nearly primitively genuine, truly original. One can perhaps learn to become an actor, but you can never learn to be filmed. Studied emotions on film become artificial
and false. Film relentlessly demands truthfulness and sincerity.” Early final curtain The nature of Psilander’s demise is a matter of some controversy. Many attributed his suicide to his recent split from his wife, or possibly a heated disagreement with Nordisk Film following Psilander’s request for a dramatic 150,000 kroner rise in his salary. That request was deemed to be unreasonable and promptly declined by managing director Ole Olsen. Psilander consequently left Nordisk Film and set about forming his own production studio, Psilander-Film. Others insist that suicide was highly unlikely. Psilander’s death certificate indicates a cardiac arrest. In 1966, his former wife claimed that at the time of his death he was taking prescription drugs that his doctor had warned would prove to be fatal should he consume them alongside alcohol − advice which, she claims, the actor had ignored. A more outrageous claim suggests he was shot by an obsessed Russian lover who, having travelled from St Petersburg to Valby, found her idol in the arms of another woman. All we can be certain of is that Denmark, and cinema the world over, had lost one of its greatest stars − at the very moment he burned brightest.
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REVIEW
AIRE ANCIENT BATHS, A GRECO-ROMAN REBIRTH IN CARLSBERG AIRE ANCIENT BATHS, COPENHAGEN
By Githa Schultz
I didn’t think the heavens of the body and soul would once again open up like when I met well-being king Ole Henriksen from Nibe and his world-famous ‘Escape to Tranquility’ concept in Hollywood, Los Angeles 20 years ago. But it happened anyway recently at AIRE Ancient Baths (www.beaire.com) in Vesterbro, of all places. The entrance to AIRE is discreet and tucked away at Ny Carlsberg Vej 101 by the Dipylon Gates, which once served as the entryway to New Carlsberg Brewery. Now it offers scents of delectable essential oils from its equally discreet doorway to AIRE. Fruits of a Storm Morten Storm is the name of the fiery soul who eight years ago applied for permits at Carlsberg and various authorities to restore the historic New Carlsberg Brewery buildings from 1881 and create AIRE Ancient Baths in the mould of Greco-Roman baths. It is the very same location that Carlsberg once stored tons of malt required to produce the legendary Carlsberg beer back when the brewery was in operation. The Spanish founders of AIRE in Seville have already sprouted roots in other major cities like Barcelona, New York, Rio and Chicago. Likewise in a historical building in London, where author James Matthew Barrie once resided when he invented Peter Pan. As is the case with the Carlsberg buildings, the AIRE founders have transformed all its buildings to their AIRE concept whilst respecting the history, architecture and spirit of the location. AIRE Ancient Baths in Carlsberg Byen opened for the first time to the public in August 2020.
Suds in the shallows The concept of time evaporates in pure enjoyment at AIRE, where people speak in quiet voices and move about slowly. Its dark and roughly-polished basement bricks and baths are illuminated with dimmed candlelight while the tranquil sound of New Age music provides an unforgettable experience. Options such as a massage, a bite of chocolate, some bubbles or a mesmerising beer are available. Of all drinks I despise the most, beer takes the cake. I spit it out like a four-year-old tricked into tasting it by my grandmother, who said it was juice.
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VALENTINE’S DAY 202 2 GUI D E
I again embraced the cold stone corridor (Pediluvium), a careful stroll in icy illuminated water up to the ankles across beautiful white stones. I then gazed up at the estuaries of silos past that once released grain into vessels where malt germinated and now exist as wonderful life-prolonging baths.
And now I’m taking in the water hibernation in Tepidarium following a bath with a thousand nozzles (Balneum), the aroma-detox steambath (Laconicum) and, last but not least, the beer bath! Completely relaxed and happy in the water, I spare a thought for brewer Carl Jacobsen and architect Wilhelm Dahlerup’s building gem, which is so complete and well thought out in innovative 2020. Five hours into my unique AIRE experience, with a glass of bubbly in my hand, for the first time in ages I can proudly proclaim: AIRE Ancient Baths is in my neighbourhood, Vesterbro. DAN HENRIK MØLLER
Never before have temperature differences in water been as easy to navigate. From Caldarium (40ºC) plunge straight into the frigid Frigidarium (6ºC) or brave the Flotarium with salinity levels that rival the Dead Sea.
But AIRE’s therapeutic Carlsberg beer bath is something else with minerals and elements from Brewer Jacobsen’s world-famous malt and yeast concoction, which gives the skin renewed radiance and glow. Served with a delicious side dish and three different Carlsberg beers, I gleefully lapped it up for the first time since my ‘grandmother experience’. A wine bath is also an option at AIRE.
A ode to Carl and Wilhelm I actually get quite emotional thinking that my old neighbourhood has such an exquisite bath. I grew up taking worker baths on Lyrskovgade on Saturdays on jaunts with my mother. Vesterbro’s once bad housing reputation steeped in depravity has given way to expensive apartments, creative hipsteria, snobbish attitudes. It’s somewhat off-putting for an oldschool child of the neighbourhood. Throughout my childhood, it was if Carlsberg was hermetically sealed in a big unknown landscape, aside from occasional mini train trips topped off with a free soda for the kids.
GITHA SCHULTZ