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...
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 ...
$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...
Louis Vuitton Satin Monogram Mini Papillon Black
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Louis Vuitton Black Monogram Satin Mini Papillon Accessories Pochette Bag Excellent Condition With extra handle for long use This rare Louis Vuitton B...
Vintage Coach House Limited Edition Peacock Blue Leather Clutch Bag
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...
Herve Leger New Navy Wrap Dress 1990s
By Herve Léger
Located in Water Mill, NY
A great off white striped navy blue wool dress from Herve Leger. The semi fitted wrap style dress has a breast pocket, peaked lapels and a double vent on top of a single vent in the...
Comme des Garcons AD 2002 Bondage Top and Jacket
By Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black fine cotton 2 piece set consisting of a sleeveless top and matching jacket from Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons. The sleeves top has a crew neckline and a confi...
Rare Bill Gibb Devore Silk Velvet Evening Ensemble
By Bill Gibb
Located in Geneva, CH
Incredible early 70s "dévoré" silk velvet and gold lame set composed of a short kimono-caftan and a long buttoned maxi skirt. The top is cut wide with sleeves opening down the waist....
$531
H 8.75 in W 8 in D 1.5 in Dm 8.5 in
A carved Bakelite framed golden velvet handbag, France, 1920s
Located in Greyabbey, County Down
A charming and highly decorative handbag, made from golden/amber silk velvet, which has a veil, or netting, layer over the top , giving a delicacy and depth to the handbag. Topped w...
Sold|$4,668
H 6.11 in D 0.79 in L 7.88 in
Hermès Vintage Pola Purse Clutch Evening Bag 2 ways Black Ostrich Golden Hdw
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Purse "Pola" Made in France No stamp but vintage Made of Ostrich Leather and Golden Hardware Ostrich ...
Valentino Gold Leather Soul Rockstud Ankle Strap Block Heel - 36.5
By Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino Gold Leather Soul Rockstud Ankle Strap Block Heel - 36.5 These beautiful heels are in excellent condition. They have barely been worn and look brand new. The shoe has stud...
Fendi O’Lock Mini Camera Case New Gold
By Fendi
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Fendi oval mini bag in gold laminated leather. Zip fastening with double slider. Outer back pocket. Featuring a lined internal compartment and gold-finish metalware. Handle drop 1.5”...
$2,917
H 5.52 in W 1.19 in L 8.86 in
Hermès Padlock Bag Clutch Purse Doblis Leather Purple and Golden Hdw RARE
By Hermès
Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique
Lovely and Rare Authentic Hermès Clutch Called "Padlock" due to the Padlock Shaped clasp Very rare ! A-line shape of the purse and asymmetrical cut of the flap for a chic and eleg...
$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...
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...
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...