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.
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Wiener Werkstaette Art Nouveau Coat Hook, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elegant handmade coat-hook. Literature: Waltraud Neuwirth, Wiener Werkstaette – Avant Garde Art Deco, Industrial Design, 1985 Vienna p. 49. Different hooks are available see pic...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Coat Hook for the Wiener Werkstaette, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Sensational design from the very puristic period of Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette. Literature: Waltraud Neuwirth, Wiener Werkstaette - Avantgarde Art Deco, Industrial Des...
Brass
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
Modernist Coat Hooks
Located in Vienna, AT
Anodized aluminium made in Austria in Vienna in the 1970s. Up to ten pieces available Delivery time about 2 weeks.
Aluminum
French Majolica Jugendstil Art Nouveau Ceramic Plate, circa 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Beautiful French Majolica wall plate from the Jugendstil / Art Nouveau period (ca 1900). Elegant design with a lovely lady in the middle. Nu...
Ceramic
$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
Antique Art Nouveau Stained Window Glass by Covina, 1930's
Located in Lisboa, PT
This Art Nouveau Painted Glass was produced in Portugal, by Covina - Companhia Vidreira Nacional, during the 1930's. It belonged to a door or a window and is a hand painted behind gl...
Glass
13 Jugendstil Wall Hooks
Located in Wien, AT
13 jugendstil wall hooks. Polished and stove enameled. priced and sold per piece.
Brass
Pair Art Nouveau Bronze Relief Wall Plaques
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of fine Art Nouveau / Jugendstyl gilt bronze relief wall plaques, with wonderful details, mounted in walnut frames. The reliefs depict Diana, ...
Bronze
Brass Coat Wall Hooks by Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Two beautiful Austrian brass hooks by manufactured by Hertha Baller in Austria in the 1950s.
Brass
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
Coat Wall Hooks by Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass hooks manufactured by Hertha Baller in Austria in the 1950s. 2 available.
Aluminum
Coat Wall Hooks by Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Aluminum hooks manufactured by Hertha Baller in Austria in the 1950s. up to 4 available, more pieces on request.
Aluminum
$98 / item
H 6.3 in W 3.94 in D 3.15 in
Ebonized Brass Asymmetric Coat Wall Double Hooks by Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Austrian brass hooks manufactured by Hertha Baller in Austria in the 1950s. Up to 12 available.
Brass
$8,500
H 31 in W 43 in D 4.754 in
Large Carl Auböck Mid-Century Coat Rack Beech Wardrobe with 8 Brass Hooks, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant modernist wall-mounted coat rack from the 1950s. An original and old vintage object, designed and manufactured by the Austrian architect and designer Carl Auböck. The fram...
Brass
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