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 Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons
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 ...
$5,299
Size: IT 42 - FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Vivienne Westwood striped wool cropped blazer and corseted skirt suit, ss 1994
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood skirt suit ▪ 69% Wool, 31% Cotton ▪ Black, Navy, Brown and White stripes ▪ Doubled breasted cropped blazer jacket ▪ High waist mini wrap skirt with built-in corse...
Junya Watanabe Grey Tweed Convertible Tailored Jacket & Skirt Suit, FW 1999
By Junya Watanabe, Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons
Located in London, GB
Junya Watanabe, Fall-Winter 1999. Grey wool tweed jacket and skirt ensemble. The jacket features a draped and folded construction at the hips, with functional zips set into the seams...
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...
$8,258
Size: IT 40 - FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4
Alexander McQueen indigo denim corseted jumpsuit and leather belt, fw 1996
By Alexander McQueen
Located in London, GB
▪ Alexander McQueen indigo denim corseted jumpsuit ▪ 64% Cotton, 36% Polyester ▪ Metal button and zip fastening ▪ Brown leather belt with metal buckle...
$8,946
Size: FR 38 - UK 10 - US 6
Christian Dior by John Galliano blue denim cropped jacket and skirt set, ss 2000
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior indigo blue denim jacket and skirt 2 piece set ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Cropped denim jacket ▪ Bias cut skirt with asymmetric waistline and hemline ▪ Gold log...
$15,140
Size: DRESS: S/M - SHOE: 38
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Knit Dress, Cardigan & Boots Runway Ensemble, FW 1994
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Chanel ▪ Creative Director: Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1994 ▪ Fabric: Wool with clear sequin embellishment ▪ Dress / Cardigan Size: S/M ▪ Shoe Size: EU 38 ▪ ...
$20,646
Size: FR36/38 - UK8/10 - US4/6
Christian Dior by John Galliano Plum Silk Jacquard and Lace Skirt Suit, SS 1999
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Spring-Summer 1999 ▪ Fabric: Silk, Lace ▪ Skirt Size: FR36 - UK8 - US4 ▪ Jacket Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6 ▪ Ma...
$66,069
Size: FR38 - UK10 - US6
Christian Dior by John Galliano Grey Astrakhan & Fox Runway Ensemble, FW 2007
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano, Fall-Winter 2007. Grey astrakhan fur jacket and skirt runway ensemble trimmed in silver fox. The A-line jacket has wide, cape-like sleeves with slits...
Vivienne Westwood Men's black striped wool double breasted suit, fw 1996
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood Men's black striped wool suit ▪ Double breasted blazer jacket ▪ Large Orb etched buttons ▪ Two front pockets ▪ High waiste...
Jeanne Lanvin haute couture green tartan tweed coat and skirt set, c. 1940s
By Jeanne Lanvin
Located in London, GB
Introducing an exquisite Jeanne Lanvin 1940s couture green and brown tartan tweed coat and skirt ensemble, a true gem that embodies the timeless elegance...
$16,517
Size: UK 10 - FR 38 - US 6
Vivienne Westwood black leather corseted jacket and mini skirt suit, fw 1997
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
▪ Vivienne Westwood Couture black leather mini skirt suit ▪ 100% Leather ▪ Corseted Jacket ▪ Let of mutton sleeves ▪ Double ended metal zipper at centre back ▪ Quilted satin lining...