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 ...
Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons 2003 Frayed Hem Coat & Dress
By Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe
Located in Oakland, CA
Circa 2003 Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons black wool coat and dress. Fuzzy wool texture with frayed-edge details throughout. Long coat wis ...
Vivienne Westwood grey check wool skirt suit, fw 1991
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood grey check wool skirt suit, featuring five large buttons with engraved orb logo Fall-winter 1991 Measurements: Jacket: 42 (IT) Shoulder to shoulder 15" Width 18...
Christian Dior by Galliano Fall 2004 Prototype Suit
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Norwich, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano, unique prototype sample from Fall/Winter 2004. Shimmery silver metallic fabric with white fur trims on the jacket, and zip details. Silk lined. Cond...
$1,290
Size: See Measurement in description
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER S/s 1989 Pinstripe Draped Lapel Madonna Set
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in 上海市, Xuhui district
The Pinstripe Elegance Set combines timeless sophistication with modern tailoring. This two-piece outfit includes a structured double-breasted blazer with wide, angular lapels and a ...
$22,606
Size: IT 44 - FR 40 - UK 12 - US 8
Alexander McQueen black wool and sequin four-piece 'Joan' suit, fw 1998
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen black 'Joan' four-piece suit ▪ Single-breasted wool blazer jacket ▪ Sequin waistcoat ▪ Straight-leg wool suit trousers with a connected sequin mini skirt...
A.F. Vandevorst Wool Vest and Trousers Set
By A.F. VANDEVORST
Located in Mentone, CA
Size: Recommended for Small - Medium Condition: excellent, very minimal wear
$8,905
Size: FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Vivienne Westwood brown tartan wool and velvet mini skirt suit, fw 1997
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood brown tartan wool and velvet suit comprising: blazer jacket with leg of mutton sleeve, gold orb button fastenings at the back and velve...
Vivienne Westwood unisex checked wool three-piece pant suit, fw 1992
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
Vivienne Westwood unisex black and white checked wool three-piece pant suit comprising: double-breasted blazer jacket with peak lapels, silver orb buttons and red satin lining, single-breasted waistcoat and high-waisted carrot pants...
$569Sale Price|20% Off
Size: FR42
Loulou de la Falaise Baroque Pant Suit - Chocolate Crepe & Plum Velvet - 2000s
By Loulou de la Falaise
Located in Charenton-le-pont, FR
A magnificent example of Loulou de la Falaise’s unique sense of color and texture, this early 2000s pant suit is a masterpiece of Parisian 'Boho-Baroque' style. Made in France, the e...
Men's Vivienne Westwood blue and white polka dot denim pant suit, SS 1985
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Men's Vivienne Westwood 'Mini-Crini' pant suit ▪ Blue denim with large white polka dots ▪ Loose cut zip-up jacket ▪ Straight leg jeans ▪ Size Large ▪ Spring-Summer 1985
John Galliano 1994 Plum Wool Blazer & Skirt Set with Ribbon Appliqué
By John Galliano
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare early work from John Galliano’s Fall/Winter 1994 collection, this two-piece skirt suit captures the designer’s precision tailoring and emerging signature of romantic, body-con...
Raf Simons Grey Mens Trouser Suit, fw 1999
By Raf Simons
Located in London, GB
- Raf Simons autumn winter 1999 charcoal grey men's suit ensemble - Jacket size 52, trouser size 50 - 99% Wool, 1% cashmere