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.
Original Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Cabinet for Mimi Marlow 20th Century
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
For the private saloon of the then famous soubrette Mimi Marlow, who was also performing in the legendary "Fledermaus Cabaret," which was designed by Josef Hoffmann and executed by t...
Oak
Unique Low Cabinet with Intarsia by Viktor Lurje for Wiener Werkstätte c. 1926
By Wiener Werkstätte, Viktor Lurje
Located in Berlin, DE
Unique low cabinet with intarsia designed by the architect, artist and craftsman Viktor Lurje (1883-1944) and manufactured by Wiener Werkstätte GmbH, circa 1926. Together with Oskar ...
Wood
18th Century Country French Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
A French Provincial cabinet of cupboards and drawers. Doors decorated with floral urns. Bead design around doors and drawers. Brass hardware,...
Oak
18th Century French Country Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming cabinet with two doors and carved diamond shaped decoration. Note the cupid's bow leg shape. Lots of storage!
Wood
$6,595
H 24.02 in W 24.02 in D 12.21 in
18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Antique Hobnail Safe Strong Box Bar Cabinet
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and rare example of late 18th century Italian master blacksmith craftsmanship, this antique studded safe with typical all-around hobnails and great wrought iron details, pr...
Metal, Wrought Iron
$5,396
H 24.02 in W 15.75 in D 12.6 in
18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Antique Hobnail Safe Strong Box Bar Cabinet
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and rare example of late 18th century Italian master blacksmith craftsmanship, this antique studded safe with typical hobnails and great wrought iron details, probably from...
Metal, Wrought Iron
$11,692
H 53.15 in W 39.77 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Modern Cabinet by Erik Matsson, Mjölby Intarsia, Sweden, 1940s
By Mjölby Intarsia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful cabinet from Mjölby Intarsia, made from mahogany with doors inlayed with a paradisical naturalism motif by Erik Matsson. It depicts a man and animals on a small island, car...
Mahogany
20th Century Rustic Pine Cabinet
Located in Southampton, NY
20th Century Rustic Pine Cabinet A simply constructed pine cabinet with two doors and a central rail. A grey-ish painted wash gives creates a beautiful patina. Two porcelain knobs a...
Pine
$11,392
H 41.74 in W 51.97 in D 17.72 in
Scandinavian Modern cabinet '2661' by Mjölby Intarsia, Sweden, 1940s
By Mjölby Intarsia, Erik Mattsson 1
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Exceptional cabinet or sideboard model '2661' by unknown designer and executed by Mjölby Intarsia in Sweden during the 1940s. Beautiful wooden inlay on doors. Key included. One of...
Beech, Oak, Teak, Walnut
Classic 19th Century Country French Paint Decorated Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Retailed by Peter Roland, Westport CT. A lovely cabinet in a later pale Aqua Green paint with two carved short apron drawers with a diamond motif and later black painted metal figura...
Wood
$10,672
H 47.25 in W 35.04 in D 16.93 in
Swedish Modern 1930s Cabinet by Vingåkers Möbelfabrik with Mjölby Intarsia Decor
By Mjölby Intarsia
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Swedish Modern 1930s Cabinet with detailed Mjölby Intarsia-decor from Vingåkers Möbelfabrik. It comes in very good condition, made of birc...
Birch, Plywood, Elm, Walnut
Mid Century Cabinet in the Form of Bass Cello Great Storage
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous bass Cello storage cabinet. Has 4 shelves that are 5 x 5 x 10.5. Door opens and closes with ease. Well made, high quality. In excellent vintage con...
Iron
19th Century French Marquetry Cabinet with Marble Top
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is an elegant Louis XV style walnut cabinet. The gray variegated marble top rests over a single door with satinwood marquetry in the form of a floral arrangement in an urn. The cabinet has a beautifully shaped apron flanked by gilt metal paw...
Marble, Metal
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Armoire Cupboard Cabinet
Located in San Angelo, TX
A beautiful Swedish Gustavian cabinet that has been painted and dry scrapped over its lifetime. It dissembles into two parts. This beautiful piece shows the original paint job with p...
Pine, Paint