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 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...
$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...
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 ...
New Gucci Runway Spring 2005 Python Snakeskin Gold Heel Mules Sz 7.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Horsebit Heels Brand New Spring 2005 * Stunning in Red Snakeskin * Studded Gold Heel * Size: 7.5 * Leather Insole * Open toe * 3.25" Heel * W...
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Small
Guy Laroche Silk Evening Pajama set in Cream and Black Dots Pink Trim 1990s
By Guy Laroche
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Guy Laroche Silk Evening Pajama set in Cream and Black Dots with Pink Trim from the 1990s. This amazing set is perfect for anyone who likes the chic a...
$357Sale Price|20% Off
Size: IT 39 1/2
Sergio Rossi 2000s Brown Lizard Leather Pointed Toe Ankle Strap Sandals
By Sergio Rossi
Located in Milano, IT
- Sergio Rossi early 2000s - Sold by Skof.Archive - Brown lizard leather - Pointed toes - Buckled ankle straps - 8.5cm heels - Gold-tone hardware - Leather lining - Insoles an...
Sergio Rossi minaudiere bag
By Sergio Rossi
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
SERGIO ROSSI -(Made in Italy) Enameled metal minaudiere bag with flowers. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Height: 8 cm - Width: 14 cm - Depth: 5 cm SKU:S21
$6,999
Size: 31Lx3Wx13H CM Handledrop 22 CM
UNWORN VALENTINO Rare Exotic Lizard Skin Evening Crystal Clutch Bag - Full Set
By Valentino Garavani
Located in Switzerland, CH
Extremely rare and special VALENTINO evening bag Made of finest exotic lizard skin Wonderful green colors Bejeweled with Swarovski crystals, intact "Snake" opening the bag So versati...
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...
Dramatic Thierry Mugler FW1990 Archival Black Skirt Suit Sculptural
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Museum worthy piece of Fashion History The super dramatic beautiful Archival Thierry Mugler ensemble, two piece set (jacket and skirt). Extremely rare black jacket and skirt from th...
$10,920
H 3.25 in W 4.5 in D 4 in
Chanel Vanity Case Micro Mini 90s Vintage Iridescent Bronze Rare Patent Clutch
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Micro Mini 90s Vintage Patent Metallic Bronze Iridescent Vanity Case Rare 1994 [VINTAGE 30 Years} Diamond stitch iridescent patent leather Cl...
New With Box Gucci Tom Ford Suede Horsebit Pump Heels Sz 10
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Tom Ford for Gucci Brand New * Stunning Horsebit Heels * U.S. Size: 10 * Brown Suede Heels * Gold Horsebit Hardware * Suede Ankle Ties * Leather Footbed * 4" Heel * With Box and Dus...
Leather Mughal Moorish Shoes with Gold Embroidered
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Exquisite Pair of Hand-Embroidered Late 20th Century Indian Leather Slippers in the Mughal Style A magnificent pair of hand-stitched and hand-tooled leather slippers, lavishly adorne...
$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...
Gallenga Stenciled Evening Bag
By Tirelli Gallenga for Fendi, Maria Monaci Gallenga
Located in New York, NY
Evening bag of sea green silk velvet stenciled in a copper gold floral and leaf pattern , braided silk cords with venitian style glass trade beads.
...
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...