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 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...
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 ...
$1,627
Size: Equivalent size France 40/42
A Thierry Mugler Couture Black Tuxedo Skirt Suit - France Circa 1990/2000
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990/2000 France Iconic skirt suit in black Polyester Tergal by Thierry Mugler dating from 1990/2000. Fitted and architectural jacket, colla...
$3,368
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...
$425Sale Price|32% Off
Geoffrey Beene Forest Green Suit
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in Alford, MA
Geoffrey Beene forest green suit, c.1980s, with the seemingly simple, but exquisitely detailed, shaping for which the designer was known. The suit is compos...
Pierre Cardin Black Elegant Skirt Suit 1980s
By Pierre Cardin Paris
Located in Brindisi, Bt
This elegant vintage Pierre Cardin suit is the perfect addition to any woman's wardrobe. The black jacket and skirt are made from a high-quality wool fabric and feature an embroidered button detail. The vintage 80s design...
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...
Vintage Finesse La Model Chocolate Brown Python Snakeskin Convertible Clutch Bag
By Finesse La Model
Located in San Diego, CA
Lovely vintage Finesse La Model chocolate brown python/snakeskin convertible clutch. Long gold chain, which can be worn over the shoulder, cro...
Rare Chanel Cruise 2018 Metier D’Art Gold Medallion Chain Bag
By Chanel
Located in Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Beautiful runway piece from cruise 2018 collection. Overall still in immaculate condition. Barely worn. Series 24. Comes with its holo intact, card, dust bag, product card and box.
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...
Iconic extremely rare Tom Ford for Gucci Damask « Dragon » purse FW 2004
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in NICE, FR
The iconic «Dragon» handbags in alligator skin and the incredibly beautiful velvet with gold dusting from the era of Tom Ford at Gucci. Fall Winter 2004 collection. Material: exter...
1978 YVES SAINT LAURENT metallic caftan cape and dress ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Fransisco, CA
This stunning Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche two-piece ensemble, dating to circa 1978, is made of a sheer silk chiffon woven with metallic threads forming a dense floral motif in ton...
$775Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.75 in L 6.75 in
Opulent Mother of Pearl Crystal Lizard Encrusted Artisan Clutch c 1970s
Located in University City, MO
Opulent mother of pearl crystal lizard encrusted artisan clutch purse c 1970s The exquisite artisan clutch is designed with an organic mother of pearl clam shell Embellished with a sinuous crystal lizard; surrounded with a collection of sea shells & a glass coral branch The clam shell is framed with a gilt metal border. Dangling from the base is a silky fringe tassel. The compact size interior is lined with brown cloth Makes a beautiful accessory perfect for weddings & holidays The back exterior side has a foil label embossed Margaret Bloom Measurements: The length across the furthest section measures 6.75 inches The height measured from the center clasp to the base = 3.75 inches excluding the fringe tassel The compact size interior will accommodate a few small size essentials i.e. folded paper...
$1,580Sale Price|20% Off
New With Tags Valentino Fall 2018 Python Evening Bag Minaudière $2975
By Valentino
Located in Conroe, TX
Valentino Minaudière $2975 Fall 2018 New With Tags & Box Python and Leather Exterior Gold-Tone Hardware Chain-Link Shoulder Strap Leather Lining Push-Lock Closure at Top Shoulder S...
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...