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...
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 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...
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 ...
H 1.9 in W 3.5 in L 6.5 in
Renaud Pellegrino "Juliet" Evening Clutch Box Bag
By Renaud Pellegrino
Located in Geneva, CH
Perfect for evenings when you only need the essentials, this Renaud Pellegrino "Juliet" embellished box clutch is made from black satin silk and decorated with metal studs. In fact, ...
2012 Yves Saint Laurent Runway Black Purple Boho Skirt Ensemble
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in London, GB
This ensemble was designed by Stefani Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2012 show where it walked as look 20. Consisting of an A-line, pleated maxi-skirt and billowing, bell-sle...
Kathrine Baumann Leopard Design Swarovski Crystal Minaudiere Evening Bag
By Kathrine Baumann Beverly Hills
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisite handmade designer, Kathrine Baumann, who is the celebrated handbag maker to the stars, leopard pattern pillow shaped minaudière, evening bag...
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
H 5.5 in D 2.5 in L 9 in
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...
UNWORN GUCCI Y2K Turquoise GG Monogram Crystals, Beaded Pearls & Lizard Skin Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in Switzerland, CH
A Gucci signature piece in the famous GG Monogram Beautiful beaded turquoise bag with lizard trimmings Pink gold hardware with the Gucci siganture GG and tiny crystals Adjustable str...
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...
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...
Size: US 8 UK 6 EU 39
Vintage 1940's Carved Wooden Wedges Heels Pagoda UK 6 EU 39 US 6
Located in Nashville, TN
The most intricate pair of 1940's wooden wedges you could ever hope to set your eyes upon. The delicate shoe encloses the front of the foot with a peep toe, set off by a tan colou...
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...
New Gucci Spring 2005 Velvet and Crocodile Heels Mules Sz 8.5
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New Spring 2005 * Stunning Velvet Crocodile Heels * Euro: 8.5 * Fuchsia Velvet * Dark Brown Crocodile Ankle * Gold Footbed & Lining * 4.25...
W 4.73 in L 8.67 in
Evening Clutch Bag Strass and Feathers
Located in Paris, FR
Maia N. evening cluth bag featuring fancy & multicolour strass, a silver-tone claps opening, inside camel suede leather and feathers at the bottom. In good vintage condition. We...
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 ...
H 7 in W 5 in
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 ...
H 10 in W 7 in
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...