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.
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...
$3,250
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...
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 ...
$3,412
H 5.52 in W 7.49 in D 1.19 in
Christian Dior Multicolour & Embellished Suede & Red Vintage Mini Saddle Bag
By Christian Dior
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Christian Dior Multicolour Embroidered & Embellished Suede & Red Calfskin Leather Vintage Mini Saddle Bag Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1201 Brand: Christian Dior Model: Mini Saddle...
1960s Coppola e Toppo for Saks Fifth Avenue Crystal Evening Bag
By Coppola e Toppo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A glamorous statement piece, perfect for vintage collectors or anyone channeling a retro Hollywood or Studio 54 evening look. It pairs gorgeously with a silk slip dress or a tailored...
Green wool top and trouser ensemble with sequin embellishment Chanel
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Green wool top and trouser ensemble with sequin embellishment on the bust. Fabric composition: 72% wool, 20% nylon, 5% rayon, 3% metal . Silk lining. Branded buttons on the middle b...
Herbert Levine Red Stilettos
By Herbert Levine
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous Herbert Levine Red Calf Stilettos decorated with a black "berry" and red ties. Retailed at Bonwit Teller, 1950's USA. 6.5AA, 2.75" widest across front. Very narrow.
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...
Vintage Gucci Horsebit Alligator Loafers Size 38.5
By Gucci
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Gucci exotic skin horsebit loafers. I'm not sure whether these are alligator or crocodile, I apologize for my lack of certainty! Regardless, these are a rare and wonderful pair of classic vintage Gucci horsebit...
Miu Miu matelassé bag new
By Miu Miu
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Miu Miu bag in silver matelassé leather with jewel closure Equipped with chain also silver-colored can be worn either over the shoulder or hand clutch bag New with box, dust and t...
Hermès New Mini Kelly Idole Picto Blue
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès rare and collectible Kelly Idole Picto bag in blue royale, nata and gold epsom leather. Palladium hardware. Black leather for the funky detachable backpack that can fit a phon...
Gianni Versace Couture Green & Fuchsia ensemble
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in New York, NY
Gianni Versace Couture two-piece ensemble is Green with detailing of deep Fuchsia hue. The suit is double breasted and fully lined. The sleeves cuff have two buttons detailing. The s...
$6,920
H 3.1 in W 3.9 in L 0.8 in
Chanel Waist Classic Flap Rare Vintage 90s Limited Edition Micro Mini Bronze Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Rare Vintage 90's Limited Edition Micro Mini Classic Flap Bag 1991 {VINTAGE 33 Years} Gold Hardware Bronze quilted lambskin leather CC Turnlock Leather lined interior 3.9" W ...
Gucci Navy Double-Breasted Power Suit, Tom Ford Era, Circa 1996
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Kingston, NY
An ultra-rare and razor-sharp ensemble from the Tom Ford era at Gucci, this 1990s three-piece power suit captures the refined sensuality and tailored dominance Ford became known for....
Rare Chanel 1989 Vintage Blue Lizard Square Mini Evening Bag 24k GHW 68656
By Chanel
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Store item: 68656 In blue lizard and 24k gold plated hardware. This item is in excellent condition with very few signs of normal use. Corners are clean with no rubbing or scuffi...
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...