Born from the Vienna Secession art movement in Austria during the early 20th century, the Wiener Werkstätte helped to cement Art Nouveau style and culture in Viennese art. Wiener Werkstätte furniture included armchairs, cabinets and table lamps, with production extending to other crafts such as ceramics, jewelry and fashion. The Werkstätte also boasted a large graphic arts department, which created nearly 1,000 unique postcards during the organization’s run.
Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, painter Koloman Moser and industrialist Fritz Waerndorfer established the collective in opposition to the dominant trends in Viennese art. The artistic community was then largely directed by the Association of Austrian Artists, which had firm control over the creation and distribution of Austrian art. The collective’s style pushed back against traditional artistic preferences, instead favoring clear, bold lines and often-exaggerated, vibrant colors.
Employing over 100 people, including several master craftsmen, the Werkstätte formed relationships and alliances with a number of firms and stores, which sold and commissioned new work from the workshop.
As the Wiener Werkstätte’s mission aligned with emerging British sensibilities regarding art, many British artists worked closely with the collective. Some major Austrian artists collaborated with the collective, without officially joining, such as painter Gustav Klimt.
The Werkstätte’s artistic range was extensive and eclectic, with the organization producing a wide variety of furniture. In 1932, the global economic collapse forced it to shut down. With the outbreak of WWII soon to follow, the Wiener Werkstätte never reopened. Its legacy lived on, however, in the numerous artists and craftspeople who carried forward its commitment to progressive cultural and creative endeavors.
On 1stDibs, find antique Wiener Werkstätte lighting, seating and storage pieces.
$2,900
Wiener Werkstatte Shoes
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Sharon, CT
1904 Koloman Moser Enameled Sterling 'Duck'' Buckles (marked on back) on circa 1920 silk brocade Wiener Werkstatte shoes.Ebossed with the Wiener Werkstatte signature on the interio...
Wiener Werkstatte Graphic Turquoise Blue Beaded Bag with Frame
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, this Wiener Werkstatte bag has a bold and graphic design executed in navy blue, gold, brick red and metallic bead...
Wiener Werkstatt Beaded Bag Maria Likarz (attributed(
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Sharon, CT
Extraordinary and rare bag from the Wiener Werstatte. Fine bright red beads, abstract design with kid leather lining. We are attributing our bag to Maria Likarz-Strauss, based on a...
Davis & Marinsky Wiener Werkstatte Attributed Suit
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Sharon, CT
Isaac Marinsky a Russian emigre studied and worked in London as a couturier to English Society, before immigrating to Rhode Island with his coworker Davis. And formed together Davis ...
$150Sale Price|20% Off
Miu Miu red patent leather decollete
By Miu Miu
Located in Capri, IT
Miu Miu red patent leather decollete size 38.5 heel 9 cm
Chanel 2.55 Reissue Maxi Double Flap Bag
By Chanel
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Chic Chanel 2.55 Reissue Maxi Double Flap Handbag. The exterior of this reissue 2.55 is crafted in metallic champagne lambskin leather with signature diamond stitching and dark sil...
DRIES VAN NOTEN AW 2015 Gold Brocade Fringe Block Heel Sandals
By Dries van Noten
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Dries Van Noten gold brocade block heel sandals with ankle strap from the Fall/Winter 2015 runway collection. Features rounded open toes and cross front ankle strap. Fan-effect black and gold striped...
$490Sale Price|30% Off
Ferragamo Black Evening bag
By Salvatore Ferragamo
Located in Brisbane, QLD
FERRAGAMO SALVATORE. Black evening bag.. Vintage elegant evening bag in black suede, to be worn hanging on the wrist, arm or hand with a clutch effect thanks to the particular blac...
Vintage 1990s black and white wool suit Moschino Cheap & Chic
By Moschino
Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR
Vintage 1990s black and white suit (jacket and skirt) by Moschino Cheap & Chic. The black and red version of this suit can be seen on the ICONIC Fran fine on the hit sitcom the Nanny...
Chanel Blue Caviar Leather Quilted Small Double Flap Classic Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Blue Caviar Leather Quilted Small Double Flap Classic Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2021 Color: Blye Hardware: Goldtone Mat...
F/W 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Abstract Nylon Saddle Bag Pochette
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a rare variation of the iconic saddle pochette bag designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior, constructed of brown watercolor-printed nylon ...
Rosenfeld Embossed Gold Metal Evening Bag
By Rosenfeld, Harry Rosenfeld
Located in Alford, MA
Rosenfeld c.1960s evening bag with chain of gold metal metal molded in a quilted and wave design. A gold metal triangular clasp, echoed on the rever...
$639Sale Price|35% Off
H 4.25 in W 6.88 in D 2 in
Limited Edition Coach Glovetanned Leather Box Clutch
By Coach House
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a limited edition Coach glovetanned leather box clutch with a brass turn or twist closure. It's part of Coach's special collection of...
$842Sale Price|24% Off
Size: Centimeter
Antique hand-knitted beaded bag with hallmarked silver hanger + chain from 1850s
Located in Stuttgart, DE
The beaded bag has a silver handle in the shape of a double arch, which is designed with an adjuster made of stylized flower and leaf tendrils and has a pressure closure. A 38 cm long pea chain is attached to 2 eyelets on the side. The flat, tall rectangular pocket bag is made using bead knitting. It shows the same flower motif on the front and back: red ones on a background of colorless glass beads...
$22,920
H 5.5 in W 10.5 in D 2 in
Chanel 2014 Electric Blue Patent Leather Quilted Retractable Frame Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel electric blue quilted patent leather clutch with rectangle metal frame Year: 2014 Metallic blue cc logo Satin interior lining Zippered back poc...
1990s Moschino Vintage Women's Heart Skirt Suit, Size 6
By Moschino Jeans, Moschino
Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR
1990's Vintage heart skirt suit by Moschino jeans, jacket and skirt are in perfect condition. Stretch fabric 35% Nylon 5% Elastan 60%Viscose. Sizes I 40 Fr 36 US 6 UK 10 Meas...
Wiener Werkstatte Beaded Bag with Striking Enamel Frame
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, this eye catching Wiener Werkstatte micro beaded bag is decorated with floral and geometric patterns in bold primary ...
Wiener Werkstatte Beaded Bag
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, this bag has a stunning color combination and a wonderfully graphic design done in micro beads. This drawstring bag is a stunning example of Wiener Werkstatte...
Wiener Werkstatte Beaded Bag with Sophisticated Color Palette
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, this bag has a sophisticated color palette taking this micro beaded Wiener Werkstatte bag to the next level. The ...
Wiener Werkstatte Drawstring Bag
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in New Hope, PA
From a Beverly Hills collector, a striking and graphic micro beaded Wiener Werkstatte design is worked on a deep red background, adding warmth and d...