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.
Rare Domed Wiener Werkstaette Vienna Art Nouveau Enameled Advertising Sign
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare, domed, black and white enameled Art Nouveau advertising sign for Wiener Werkstätte, founded by Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser and Fritz ...
Metal, Enamel, Iron
$7,995
H 31 in W 23 in D 1 in
Advertising Tin Sign "The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia" Circa 1885
By The Delaware Insurance Company of Philadelphia
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very rare and early (circa 1885) tin advertising sign, commissioned by the Delaware Insurance Company, located and founded in Philadelphia in 1835. It was probably made by noted late 19th century sign maker, Sentenne & Green, of New York City, established in the 1870's. With an Indian motif, the sign features a Native American Indian, front and center, decorated in a brown and green headdress; with red, cream and aqua clothing and a large gold medallion...
Tin
English Pub Sign, "Nag's Head"
Located in Austin, TX
An authentic English pub sign (two-sided) featuring a painting of a horse's head in a bridle, titled: Nag's Head. A very fine example of vintage advertising artwork, ready for displ...
Metal
English Pub Sign, "The Falcon"
Located in Austin, TX
An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a beautiful painting of a falcon perched on a tree stump, titled The Falcon. A very fine example of vintage advertising artwork, ...
Metal
English Pub Sign, "The Ship"
Located in Austin, TX
An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a painting of a British brigantine or two-mast sailing ship featuring flags with St. George's cross, titled: The Ship. A very fin...
Metal
$951Sale Price|37% Off
H 15.75 in W 22.05 in D 0.79 in
French, 19th Century Folk Art Iron Shoemakers Shop Trade Sign Circa 1800-1850
Located in Buisson, FR
One of a kind folk art riveted sheet iron shoemakers shop sign. Amazing item that was once the trade sign of a boot/ shoe maker or shoe shop in the early 19th century. Great piece in...
Iron
Vintage Pepsi-Cola Enameled Metal Advertising Sign, Europe, 1970s
Located in Milano, IT
Iconic Pepsi-Cola advertising sign made of enameled metal, dating from the 1970s. The design incorporates the classic logo with red cursive lettering, set against a wavy background ...
Metal, Enamel
$2,280
H 17.5 in W 132 in D 3 in
Large Antique Handcrafted Folk Art Sign ..MASONIC TEMPLE, Raised Letters
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large antique handcrafted Folk Art sign ..MASONIC TEMPLE,, Beautiful sign,, turn of the century,, Retains original finish,, patina,, modeled blue backgr...
Wood
English Pub Sign, "The Admiral"
Located in Austin, TX
An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a portrait painting of a decorated Royal Navy admiral with the sea and warships in the backgroun...
Metal
English Pub Sign, "Benskins (Puss in Boots)"
Located in Austin, TX
An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a painting of a cat playing a violin fiddle - from the beloved fairy tale Puss In Boots - in the light of a streetlamp at night, t...
Metal
English Pub Sign, "Charrington - The Eagle Tavern"
Located in Austin, TX
An authentic English pub sign (one-sided) featuring a painting of an eagle in flight with mountains in the background, titled: Charrington - The Eagle Tavern. A very fine example of vintage advertising artwork, ready for display. Charrington & Co. Ltd, Anchor Brewery, Mile End Road, Tower Hamlets, London E1 The partnership of Charrington and Moss was first recorded at Mile End in 1770. Registered as Charrington & Co. Ltd in July 1897 In 1962 they merged with United Breweries Ltd (formerly Northern Breweries of Great Britain Ltd...
Metal
Set of Three Folk Art Straight Edge Razor Trade Signs
Located in Stamford, CT
Three whimsical American folk carved wood art trade signs in the form of straight edge razors. Used by barbers as interior advertisements. Two have...
Wood
Holstein Milk Painted Metal Trade Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This folky original painted hand made Holsteins Milk metal farm trade sign has the original chain for hanging.It has spots that has paint loss and mino...
Metal
Sold
H 15.66 in W 15 in D 1 in
Art Nouveau Moriz Jung Cabaret Fledermaus Vienna Enameled Advertising Sign
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare, domed, black and white enameled Art Nouveau advertising sign for Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna. Artwork by Moriz Jung from the early 1900s, ...
Metal, Enamel, Iron
Sold
H 14.5 in W 9 in D 1 in
Rare Wiener Werkstaette of America Inc New York Enameled Advertising Sign
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare, domed, black and white enameled Art Nouveau advertising sign for Wiener Werkstätte. (founded by Josef Hoffmann, Koloman Moser and Fritz Waerndorfer in 1903 in Vienna) Wi...
Enamel, Metal, Iron