Wiener Werkstätte, German for "Vienna Workshops", was founded in 19 May 1903. Two of the founders were Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser.
The workshop mainly dealt with creating jewelry, fabrics for clothing, ceramics and pottery, and furniture. Their pieces were characterized by simple shapes, minimal decoration and geometric patterning.
While many Arts and Crafts movement era workshops, such as those founded in England, were interested in converting the masses, the Wiener Werkstätte concentrated on good design for a more select market. Hoffman said, "Since it is not possible to work for the whole market, we will concentrate on those who can afford it."
The workshop also believed that design schools should include practical classes on making art (rather just designing it); fine and decorative art should be seen on equal footing; and fine arts, archictural arts and decorative arts should be unified.
Due to poor finances, the Wiener Werkstätte closed in 1932.
External links
- Wiener Werkstätte (de/en)
- Josef Hoffmann at WOKA (de/en)
- Koloman Moser at WOKA (de/en)
- Sanatorium Purkersdorf at WOKA (de/en)
- Palais Stoclet at WOKA (de/en)
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