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.
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 ...
$1,770
Size: MEAUSREMENTS IN DESCRIPTION
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER S/s 1999 Venus De Milo Kimono Neckline Mesh Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
This striking set features a bold, body-conscious midi dress paired with a captivating artistic design with the famous print VENUS DE MILO. The dress, made from a lightweight, stret...
90's Moschino Green Military Skirt Suit as seen on Princess Diana
By Moschino, Moschino Couture
Located in Concord, NC
90’s Vintage Moschino Couture emerald green skirt suit, famously worn by Princess Diana on 13 different occasions. Featuring a sharply tailored jacket with contrasting black lapels, ...
Jean Paul Gaultier Women's Black Fitted Jumpsuit with Collar
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in CACHAN, FR
Jean Paul Gaultier black jumpsuit, fitted fit, stand-up collar, long sleeves and flared legs. Details of visible seams on the front and back. Made in Italy. Very good condition.
S/S 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford Iridescent Satin Grey Rust Button Up Pant Set IT44
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a gorgeous iridescent blue-grey and rust-toned satin Gucci button-up pant set designed by Tom Ford. From the Spring/Summer 1998 collection, this set debuted as part of the...
Paco Rabanne set by Paco Rabanne circa 1995
By Paco Rabanne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
PACO RABANNE - A ready-to-wear Collection circa 1995, under the artistic direction of Paco Rabanne. Knitted black set with a silvery metallic effect, composed of a top and a skirt. ...
2003 Givenchy Fall Haute Couture Green Velvet Skirt Suit
By Givenchy, Julien Macdonald
Located in London, GB
This is an an exceptional green velvet cocktail suit by Julien Macdonald for Givenchy's Fall/Winter Haute Couture 2003 presentation and is look number 2. The jacket features unusual gathered puff shoulders and a tapered sleeve with a zip detail at each cuff, creating a romantic, almost Victorian...
2000s Balenciaga Paisley Print Three piece Suit by Nicolas Ghesquière
By Nicolas Ghesquière, Balenciaga
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exceptional three-piece Balenciaga ensemble from the Spring/Summer 2006 ready-to-wear collection, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière. The paisley blouse and trousers are documented to...
Frank Usher Graphic Print Dress with Over Blouse, 1970s
By Frank Usher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Screaming 70s dress with matching over blouse. From Frank Usher -contemporary of Ossie Clark and Thea Porter. Bold graphic print tank style dress with matching over-blouse that ties ...
Thierry Mugler Vintage Women's Jumpsuit Circa 20th Century Draped Fit
By Thierry Mugler
Located in CACHAN, FR
Very beautiful Thierry Mugler jumpsuit. Draped and fitted at the waist by a star-shaped brooch emblematic of the brand. The size label is missi...
Early 2000's Prada Black Wool Skirt Suit with Cropped Jacket
By Prada
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Chic Prada late 1990's early 2000's black wool minimalist classic skirt suit. This era of Prada understated elegance is never out of style. The jacket's cropped silhouette can be pai...
Saint Laurent set Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent circa 1970
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
YVES SAINT LAURENT - Rive Gauche Collection circa 1970 under the artistic direction of Yves Saint Laurent. Silk velvet set composed of long skirt and a corset with a lacing on the c...
Christian Dior Gianfranco Ferre Bead Embellished Suit Fall/Winter 1992 Size 36FR
By Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Christian Dior Gianfranco Ferre Bead Embellished Suit Fall/Winter 1992 Size 36FR Bodysuit - Size 36FR Skirt - Size 36FR Jacket - Size 38FR Runway 1992