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.
Werkbund Exhibition Cologne 1914, Original Art Deco Wiener Werkstaette Throne
By Heinrich Kathrein, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare throne, one of two manufactured chairs, presented at the Werkbund-exhibition Cologne in 1914. One of the displayed images shows the Werkbund exhibition 1914 with two chairs...
Leather, Wood
$8,500 / set
H 28 in W 41.75 in D 37.5 in
Pair of Leather and Chromed Steel Art Deco Style Club Chairs
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We normally do not deal with items produced in the last 20 to 30 years, however this pair of leather and chromed steel art deco style club chairs are extremely high quality and have ...
Steel, Chrome
Art Deco Club Chair, Black Motorcycle Leather, Sweden, 1935
Located in New York, NY
An oversized club chair with a strong masculine frame, crafted of solid and bent birch and upholstered in tough, black motorcycle leather.
Leather, Birch
Art Deco Lounge Chairs in Green Olive Velvet Upholstery
Located in Antwerp, BE
The soft and sensuous green olive velvet upholstery is in absolutely outstanding original condition. Rippled waterfall style pleated tailoring is punct...
Upholstery, Wood
Art Deco Moustache Club Chair c. 1930-1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Early 20th c. leather club chair with charming mustache top, riveted back, wooden feet, brown piping and rounded armrests. All original sheep hide leather and stuffed with h...
Sheepskin
$3,780 / set
H 33.86 in W 25.2 in D 32.29 in
Pair of Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs, Oak & Vibrant Flora Fabric, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Such a beautiful and decadent pair of curved Art Deco lounge chairs, with armrests and chunky feets in oak, made in the 1930s by a Danish cabinetmaker. Upholstered in a vibrant flowe...
Walnut, Fabric, Oak
Pair of Art Deco Club Chairs Argentina, circa 1935
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Elegant pair of fabulous Art Deco Club chairs. Brought back from Argentina this pair is in fabulous condition. Corded fabric has mellowed to a charcoal grey. Some fading has occurred...
Cord, Oak
$7,200 / set
H 33.47 in W 22.45 in D 26.78 in
Fritz Hansen, Pair of Danish Curved Art Deco Lounge Chairs, Reupholstered, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
An amazing pair of Danish modern lounge chairs with armrests in oak, back and seat reupholstered in a brown velour which adds a soft and shiny texture to the overall aesthetic. The c...
Velvet, Oak
$7,703 / set
H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 19.69 in
1930s Art Deco Pozzetto Pair Armchairs, Jules Leleu style , Walnut, Leather seat
By Jules Leleu
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1930s Italian club lounge chairs, armchairs, Art Deco, restored, new red leather bordeaux upholstery, walnut wax polished Jules Leleu style. These classic red armchairs feature a ...
Leather, Walnut
Classic Art Deco, Bauhaus Tubular Chrome Lounge Chair
By Kem Weber, lloyd manufacturing co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Art Deco, Bauhaus tubular chrome lounge chair. Cantilever chrome frame, recently upholstered in a blue Naugahyde fabric with baby b...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Art Deco Style Leather Club Chairs, circa 1950s
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Art Deco style leather club chairs. France, circa 1950s in original Art Deco design. Masterfully restored in all new Italian leather. Rich elegant tones with beautiful, curve...
Leather, Wood
Art Deco Pair Danish Lounge or Club Chair, 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superbly stylish oversized club chairs made around 1950. The style is very a bit English and not we we normally connect with mid-century Danish butthis style was quite popular in Den...
Elm, Mahogany
$14,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.68 in W 32.29 in D 32.68 in
Rare Art Déco Club Chairs by Jacques Adnet, France 1930s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Aachen, NW
Very rare and fine armchairs by Jacques Adnet. Made in France in the early 1930s. Fine Bouclé upholstery. Feets are made by solid wood. Stunning pieces. The chairs are in excellent,...
Bouclé, Wood
Sold
H 25.2 in W 50.01 in D 37.41 in
1970 Pair of Brutalist Lounge Chairs in Black Leather by Wiener Werkstatte
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Set of two exceptional rare Brutalist lounge / easy chairs in sturdy black leather by Wiener Weskstätte, Austria. The adjustable back rests (in four positions) makes these master pi...
Leather