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.
Brass Tray Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstatte Austrian Jugendstil circa 1915
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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
$699
H 2.37 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Italian MidCentury Serving Tray Basket in Lucite, Rattan and Brass, 1970
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian MidCentury Serving Tray Basket in Lucite, Rattan and Brass, 1970 Gorgeous serving tray or basket, in the shape of a shell, made of Lucite, rattan and brass. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Braided rattan is cast within the Lucite acrylic material. Beautiful workmanship. The brass part is kept in original vintage version, with the patina from that time. Since the shape is as a shell, the tray inside...
Brass
$1,162
H 2.96 in W 20.87 in D 13 in
Willy Rizzo Large Tortoiseshell Lucite & Brass Serving Tray, Italy, 1970s
By Christian Dior, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large mid-century tray in tortoiseshell lucite and solid brass. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to Willy R...
Brass
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.94 in Dm 6.5 in
Josef Hoffmann Silver Bowl for Wiener Werkstätte, Art Deco, 16.5\"
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
A silver bowls hand carved, made of silver and hallmarked on the lower bottom. In style of Wiener Werkstätte, Vienna Wokshop, designed by Josef Hoffmann Austria, circa 1920.
Silver
$520Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.5 in W 18 in D 11 in
Hollywood Regency Italian Brass Rope & Tassel Framed Mirrored Tray c. 1965
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timelessly elegant gilt rope and tassel Italian Tray with a mirrored base circa 1960s. Original velvet backing. Whether for you to enjoy or as ...
Brass
$2,500
H 0.4 in Dm 13.39 in
Decorative silver-plated metal plate by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstatte Vie
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Silver-plated decorative plate by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte Vienna This is a distinctive silver-plated decorative plate from Wiener Werkstätte, designed by Josef Hoffmann....
Metal
Wedgwood Majolica Tray, circa 1907
By Wedgewood
Located in High Point, NC
Wedgwood green Majolica tray in the form of a leaf and basket design with a handle. Impressed mark on the back.
Porcelain
$1,078
H 2.37 in W 18.51 in D 15.56 in
Willy Rizzo Tortoiseshell Lucite & Brass Italian Serving Tray, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century tray in a single piece of curved tortoiseshell-effect lucite and solid brass. This incredibly stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its desig...
Brass
$1,042
H 1.19 in W 23.23 in D 17.72 in
Midcentury Large Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous midcentury large octagonal serving tray in a charming tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was designed in Italy during the 1970...
Brass
Silver centerpiece by Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstatte
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Silver Centerpiece by Josef Hoffmann for the Vienna Secession Elegant silver (precious metal) centerpiece designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by the Vienna Secession. The design ...
Sterling Silver
Jugendstil basket by Hans Ofner/Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Hans Ofner
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Silverplated brass jugendstil basket by Hans Ofner/Josef Hoffmann with glass inlay. Original vintage condition with patina.
Brass
$1,042
H 1.97 in W 13.59 in D 23.23 in
Midcentury Large Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous midcentury large serving tray in a gorgeous tortoiseshell effect lucite with brass handles. This incredibly charming piece was designed in Italy during the 1970s by Guzzin...
Brass
Georgian Mahogany Serving Tray England Circa 1800
Located in Hudson, NY
This is fascinating work of "trompe l'oeil" in a beautifully custom cut matting. The work itself dates from the mid 18th century and contains pages from books in several languages, s...
Mahogany
Wiener Werkstatte Chrome and Glass Basket Server
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant server from the Wiener Werkstatte made of chrome-plated brass with a glass liner. The basket has a perforated geometric motif all around and sits on balled feet. It featur...
Crystal, Chrome