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.
Original, Hallmark. Massive Silver Candleholder, Koloman Moser Wiener Werkstätte
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Koloman Moser
Located in Vienna, AT
Signature: Austrian silver-mark, WW-mark. What is unusual for a Wiener Werkstatte silver-object. The signatures are on the bottom side instead...
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Small Silver Chamber Candle Stick
Located in Delft, NL
A small silver chamber candle stick with a separate candle extinguisher, which is hung with a hook. With slide in the stem to raise the candle. ...
Silver
$10,265 / set
H 6.3 in W 0.79 in D 1.78 in
Children's Cutlery Silver Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte circa 1923 Jugendstil
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Silver children’s cutlery set designed by Josef Hoffmann and Eduard J. Wimmer-Wisgrill manufactured by Wiener Werkstatte ca. 1923 marked hammer-strok...
Silver
Silver Matzoh Holder Jugendstil Weiner Werkstatte Style Signed
Located in Sharon, CT
Hand wrought in 900 silver in the Wiener Werkstatt style, impressed signature reads: _ _ _RAEMER HANDARBEIT 900 followed by logo/touchmark.
Silver
$1,306Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 3.15 in Dm 2.76 in
1960 Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Pair Sterling Silver Candleholders
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of elegant sterling silver candleholders, have been hand made in Sweden in 1960, in sterkling silver. Their clean line and architectural shape give a sense of modern style ...
Silver
Neoclassical, Style Continental Silver '.835' Chamber Stick
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical, continental silver (.835) chamber stick, Austria, circa 1900. Measures 4 1/2 inches high x 4 1/4 inches diameter. Weighs 7.380 troy ounces....
Sterling Silver
Antique Pair of English Sterling Silver Candle Holders
By Philip Garden
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive pair of antique George II English cast sterling silver candlesticks, an addition of our ornamental Georgian silverware collection. These impressive antique G...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Candlesticks Holders Hourglass Shape, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair/set of sterling silver candlestick holders, circa 20th century, Israel. Pair have an hourglass shape, hammered design, and small intricate detail at top, center, and...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Pair of 'Lyre' Candlesticks
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1911 by C. C. Pilling, this attractive pair of antique sterling silver candlesticks, are in the 'Lyre' shape, and feature reed detailing and removable nozzles...
Sterling Silver
Jugenstill milk jug by Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna, Austria 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
A Jugenstill milk jug with handle, made of dodecagon-shaped smooth silver-plated brass. Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna, Austria circa 1920.
Silver
$20,000
H 9.75 in W 4 in D 5 in
Rare Silver Vase with Glass Insert by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Wiener Werkstatte silver reticulated flower basket with original glass insert in a very rare model made with silver. Designed by Josef Hoffmann (Austrian, 1870-1956), Vienna, circa...
Silver
Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks
By James Dixon & Sons
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Sterling Silver Candlesticks in the arts and crafts style, hallmarked in the city of Sheffield in 1905/06 by James Dixon...
Silver
$6,765
H 1.19 in Dm 8.08 in
Brass Tray Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte Austrian Jugendstil circa 1915
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Brass tray Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte ca. 1915 marked Austrian Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann was one of the leading designers of the Wiener Werkstatte...
Brass
Sold
H 13 in W 18.12 in D 0.4 in
Koloman Moser Chanukiah, 1904 Jugendstil, Wiener Werkstaette Style, Re-edtion
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Koloman Moser
Located in Vienna, AT
Koloman Moser designed this Chanukkia for Hermann Wittgenstein 1904, other images show the interior for Hermann Wittgenstein as well as a documentation of Deutsche Kunst und Dekorati...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Silver Candle Holder
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte silver candle holder. This piece was modeled after a prototype Model Number: M 1875 "Leuchter einfach No 9" einflammig done in 1911 by Karl Hagen...
Silver Plate