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 ...
Christian Lacroix set Fall-winter 2000
By Christian Lacroix
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHRISTIAN LACROIX - (Made in France) Black taffeta set brocaded with multicolored plant pattern, composed of a jacket and a wide skirt. Size 38FR/40FR. 1999-2000 Fall-Winter Collecti...
Vintage Ann Demeulemeester Black Wool Romper
By Ann Demeulemeester
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Ann Demeulemeester black sleeveless v-neck romper with buttons down center front, two front pockets and one back pocket, and adjustable straps at waist and at back. Excellen...
c.1970's 2 Piece Brown Leather Raccoon Fur Sleeve Jacket Pants Suit Set
Located in Thiensville, WI
DESCRIPTION: c.1970's 2 Piece Brown Leather Raccoon Fur Sleeve Jacket Pants Suit Set Circa: c.1970’s Label(s): Suede Care Label Style: Pant suit Col...
$4,800
Size: Size Top 38 Skirt 34
Yves Saint Laurent Ysl Black & Gold Corset Top & Fancy Peasant Skirt 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Yves Saint Laurent black and gold corset top and fancy peasant skirt ensemble, The corset features laces up the front, fitted body ...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 1998 “Joan” 2 pc. Removable Collar Blazer Skirt Suit Set
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN A/W 1998 “Joan” 2 pc. Removable Collar Blazer Skirt Suit Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: A/W 1998 “Joan” Designer: Alexander McQueen Style...
$950
Size: none; comparable to size S
Schiaparelli-Inspired Sapphire Silk Velvet Bead and Pearl Peplum Suit - S, 1940s
Located in Tucson, AZ
Although it bears no label, this suit betrays all the hallmarks of a Schiaparelli master work: saturated color, silk velvet fabric (her favorite), sharp shoulders paired with curving...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN Pre-Fall 2006 Black Two Piece Lace Jacket Skirt Suit Set
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN Pre-Fall 2006 Black Two Piece Lace Jacket Skirt Suit Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Pre Fall 2006 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Jacke...
MISSONI Brown and Stripe Plaid Wool Ensemble with Cape Size 10
By Missoni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Missoni design is composed of wool in a brown plaid and stripe. Features a reversible cape, sweater, and plaid skirt with pleats. The skirt has side pockets. In excellent vintag...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1996 Black Linen Stripe Detail Blazer Trouser Pant Suit Set
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN c.1996 Black Linen Stripe Detail Blazer Trouser Pant Suit Set Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Circa: 1996 Designer: Alexander McQueen Style: Tailored blaze...
Roberto Cavalli Black Floral Suede 2 Piece Set
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to present a vintage Roberto Cavalli black floral suede 2 piece set featuring a button top and shorts with gold trim detailing, floral pattern, and la...
$2,830
Size: Top: 3, Skirt: 2
Issey Miyake 2000 Black Pleated Skirt Ensemble W/ Multicolor Geometric Appliques
By Issey Miyake
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a vintage Issey Miyake Pleats Please ensemble that features colorful, geometric appliques on the top and skirt, a long-sleeved top, side slit...
1993 Vintage Gianni Versace Couture Black Blazer and Long Skirt Suit Italian 40
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Montgomery, TX
Gianni Versace Couture Black Blazer and Long Skirt Suit 1993 Runway collection. Black label. Italian size 40 100% Wool Blazer: Shoulders - 16 3/4 inch...