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...
$5,000
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 ...
Rare Chanel x Pharrell Williams 2019 capsule multicolor leather loafers size 40
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare Chanel x Pharrell Williams 2019 capsule collection by Karl Lagerfeld multicolor Leather loafers. Gold champagne metal “Chanel and “Pharrell” they are brand new size 40C. It come...
F/W 2004 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Embroidered Chinoiserie Wedge 36
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an iconic pair of taupe floral Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche wedge heels, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, these heels debuted on the season's ...
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...
Prada F/W 2009 Runway Black Silk Velvet Floral Skirt Suit New W/Tags
By Miuccia Prada, Prada
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Runway look #32 and in Prada's campaign that season. New with tags done in silk with silk velvet floral pattern, fully lined. Exceptional and gorgeous!! Size: 40 IT/ 4 US Measurem...
UNWORN GUCCI Y2K Turquoise GG Monogram Crystals, Beaded Pearls & Lizard Skin Bag
By Gucci, Tom Ford for 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...
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...
$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...
Vintage Gold Two-Way Minaudiere 1980s
Located in Wilmslow, GB
A Vintage Gold Minaudiere Bag. Featuring a hard case purse designed in the style of a fabric purse and embellished with tiny applied crystals that co-o...
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Diamond Patterned Brown Alligator Clutch Mid Century Modern
By Mam'selle
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely vintage mid century modern diamond patterned alligator clutch has gold toned hardware and closure. The different tones of brown supple alligator leather make this textura...
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...
TYLER ELLIS Veronica Clutch Leopard Swarovski Crystal Fine Mesh
By Tyler Ellis
Located in Houston, TX
Tyler’s longstanding partnership with industry legend, Swarovski recently hit an exciting new high as they collaborated to create an exquisite leopard print Veronica Clutch entirely ...
Exceptional 1920's Czech Egyptian Revival Jeweled Mesh Purse
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful, large 1920's Czech Jeweled Mesh Purse of the largest scale and finest quality relined by famed, Art Bag of Madison Ave. NY. Jeweled frame with...
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...