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 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
$765Sale Price|30% Off
H 1.97 in W 21.07 in D 8.67 in
French Decorative Ceramic Tray by Albert Thiry 'circa 1960s'
By Albert Thiry
Located in London, GB
Mid-century decorative tray (circa 1960s) by Albert Thiry. A chalk-white glaze provides the background for a colourful thistle motif in the centre. The rim has touches of earthy gree...
Ceramic
$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
$1,054
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
$1,148
H 1.19 in W 21.07 in D 16.34 in
Dior Rectangular Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
By Dior Home
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular midcentury serving tray in an incredibly charming tortoiseshell effect lucite and brass. This incredibly stylish piece was designed by Dior Home and produced in Italy dur...
Brass
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
$1,230
H 1.58 in W 25.2 in D 15.36 in
Mid-Century Serving Tray in Brass, Lucite and Rattan, Italy 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Mid-Century large rectangular serving tray in a fantastic combination of brass, clear lucite and pressed rattan canes. This stylish and unique tray was produced in Italy d...
Brass
$1,019
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
$2,812 / item
H 4.73 in Dm 3.94 in
Set of 6 Champagne Coupes "Series B" by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte
By Josef Hoffmann, J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Beograd, RS
Masterpiece of early modernity! The lead-free crystal Champagne Coupes "Series B" designed by Josef Hoffmann for Wiener Werkstätte in 1912. Available 2 sets of 6 pieces. Listed price...
Crystal
Jugendstil basket by Hans Ofner/Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Hans Ofner
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Silverplated brass jugendstil basket by Hans Ofner/Josef Hoffmann with glass inlay. Original vintage condition with patina.
Brass
$3,984 / set
H 0.79 in W 10.63 in D 10.63 in
Willy Rizzo Nesting Trays Serving Pieces in Steel and Brass 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Paris, IDF
Beautiful Willy Rizzo set of three nesting trays in polished stainless steel and brass, signed, from the 1970s. The graduated measurements are 5.15 inches then 7.9 inches and 10.65 i...
Brass, Steel
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
$902
H 1.78 in W 12.6 in D 20.08 in
Midcentury Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite and Brass Oval Serving Tray, Italy 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcentury tray in a gorgeous tortoiseshell effect lucite with brass handles. This incredibly charming piece was designed in Italy during the 1970s by Guzzini. This unique...
Brass
Wiener Werkstatte Chrome and Glass Basket Server
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
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