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.
Pair of Original Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Chairs 1904 Jugendstil
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann designed in the early stages of the Wiener Werkstätte apartments for the Wittgenstein Family in Vienna and Berlin. The significant pattern from this period were the st...
Fabric, Wood
Wiener Werkstätte Modernist Chairs in Walnut, Original Taupe Velvet Upholstery
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century pair of Wiener Werkstätte Modernist chairs in walnut, original taupe velvet upholstery, still usable. Measures cm: H100/50, W 45, D 45.
Velvet, Walnut
Pair of Dagobert Peche & Wiener Werkstaette Attributed Art Deco Chairs, 1920
By Wiener Werkstätte, Dagobert Peche
Located in Vienna, AT
Two very elegant parlor chairs with the typical ornaments Dagobert Peche has used circa 1920s, compare similar ornaments. Material. Carved beechwood, stained seat cover in silk, show...
Beech
$5,097Sale Price / set|21% Off
H 32 in W 17.75 in D 20.5 in
Set of Four Ebonized Art Deco Dining Chairs by Jindřich Halabala, 1930
By Jindřich Halabala
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Czech set of four black Art Deco dining room chairs made of hand crafted ebonized Wood designed Jindrich Halabala, in good condition. The side chairs are standing on four l...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Ebony
$2,928 / set
H 29.93 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
1920s Art Deco Side Chairs in Walnut, Original Sitting with Abstract Upholstery
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-20th century Art Deco side chairs in walnut, with original sitting and futurism abstract upholstery. Very special and aesthetic effect. Excellent conditions, restored and wax-po...
Walnut, Fabric
$4,469 / set
H 30.32 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Restored Art Deco Seating Set, by J. Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Czech, 1910s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Sofa dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 120 cm (47.2 in) Depth: 60 cm (23.6 in) Seat: 45 cm (17.7 in) Chair dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 57 cm (22.4 in) Depth:...
Wood, Walnut, Beech, Lacquer
$4,250 / set
H 32.29 in W 21.26 in D 20.87 in
Set Of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.406 Fledermaus For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.728 FLEDERMAUS For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Very Rare Thonet Chairs Attributed to Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech bentwood with upholstered seat and backrest. Catalog number 798. Designed probably by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, circa 1900. Set of two.
Beech, Bentwood
Leleu Art Deco Decorative Chairs
By Jules Leleu
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Pair of French Art Deco chairs, covered in shark skin with ivory like accents. Measures: Width 25", total height 23", seat height 18", depth 12".
Shagreen
$1,118
H 35.44 in W 14.57 in D 16.54 in
Italian Mid-Century Chiavari Chair in Full Brass with New Upholstery, 1970s
By Chiavari
Located in Morazzone, Varese
One amazing solid brass Italian Mid-Century Modern 'Chiavari' side chair. Made in the 1970s. The structure of the chair is made of full polished brass. The upholstery of the solid ...
Brass
Unavailable|$10,255 / set
H 29.14 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in
Wittmann - Josef Hoffmann - Fledermaus - Chair (6) - Beech
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Budapest, HU
This remarkable set of six **Fledermaus chairs**, designed by the visionary Austrian architect **Josef Hoffmann** in the early 1900s and masterfully crafted by **Wittmann**, represen...
Leather, Beech
$4,000 / set
H 31.89 in W 15.75 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Salon Chair No.423 by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Pair of Cabaret Fledermaus chairs no.423 by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn after professional renovation with new fabric.
Fabric, Beech
$2,400Sale Price / set|64% Off
H 33.5 in W 18 in D 17 in
Pair of 18th Century French "Chauffeuse" Chairs, Georges Jacob Attributed
By Georges Jacob
Located in Doylestown, PA
An important pair of Louis XVI Period "Chauffeuse" or low fireside chairs, in original grey painted finish, with lyre backs and upholstered seats, on fluted legs. Provenance: From the Estate of noted collector, Paul W. Doll, who purchased the chairs in 1952 at Park-Bernet Auction from the estate of Mrs. Theodore Havemeyer. (see photo of catalog). Attributed to Georges Jacob, circa 1780. Georges Jacob (6 July 1739-5 July 1814) was one of the two most prominent Parisian master menuisiers. He produced carved, painted and gilded beds...
Beech
$4,821Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 28.35 in W 19.49 in D 18.31 in
Pair of Midcentury Art Deco Barrel Hall Chairs Side Chairs, France, Circa 1950
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Mid Century Art Deco Barrel Chairs. France, Circa 1950. In excellent vintage condition commensurate of age. Please message for an acc...
Teak
$3,880 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.64 in D 18.12 in
Josef Hoffmann, Pair of Fledermaus Chairs, Austria, 1905 (First Edition)
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Pair of chair in bent beech designed by the illustrious Viennese architect Joseph Hoffmann for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna in 1907. In their sober and unmistakable style, they ...
Bentwood