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.
Le Bambole 3-Seater Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in amstelveen, NL
An exceptional and highly collectible “Le Bambole” sofa designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, one of the most celebrated icons of 20th-century Italian design. This authentic vint...
Cotton
Mah Jong sofa in woven wool/cotton fabric by Roche Bobois, France, 1970s
By Roche Bobois, Hans Hopfer
Located in amstelveen, NL
Exceptional early edition of the iconic Mah Jong modular sofa, designed by Hans Hopfer for Roche Bobois in the 1970s. This highly versatile configuration showcases the relaxed, lou...
Fabric
Modular Mississippi sofa by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
Located in amstelveen, NL
The Mississippi Sofa (1965), designed by French master Pierre Paulin for Artifort, is a true design classic. Its modular, undulating form captures the...
Wool
Early Edition Mario Marenco 3-seater sofa in dark cognac suede, Arflex, 1970s
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in amstelveen, NL
Early edition of the iconic Marenco sofa, designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex in 1970. Celebrated for its generous proportions and unmistakable oversized cushions, the Marenco rema...
Suede
De Sede DS-19 tan color leather 2-seater 'Pagoda' Sectional Sofa, 1970s
By De Sede
Located in amstelveen, NL
De Sede DS1-19, Pagoda, De Sede Switserland, 1970s Rare De Sede Pagoda two-seater sofa in the original tan colored leather. The design is characterized by pointy edges that are noti...
Leather
Sesann 3-Seater Sofa in dusty pink by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in amstelveen, NL
An early edition Sesann three-seat sofa designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, Italy, circa 1970. The Sesann is celebrated for its sculptural silhouette and distinctive expos...
Chrome
Sculptural sofa in beige by Wiener Werkstätte, Austria 1970s
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Fantastic, organic shaped sofa in beige colored cotton upholstery by Wiener Werkstätte, Austria 1970s. A rare custom made design in the 1970s with each sofa to become a masterpiece. ...
Cotton, Wood
Modular DS-600 Sofa by Berger, Peduzzi, Vogt & Ulrich for De Sede, 1970s
By Eleanora Peduzzi-Riva, Heinz Ulrich, and Ueli Berger, De Sede
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular Sofa by De Sede in leather and fabric composed of 11 elements, Model: DS-600, Modular sofa. Seat height 40 cm Wear due to time and age of the sofa. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US F...
Leather, Fabric
Hans Hopfer "Brioche" Sofa with Ottoman for Neue Wiener Werkstätte, 1970s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Hans Hopfer
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Hans Hopfer "Brioche" Sofa with Ottoman for Neue Wiener Werkstätte, candy velvet, 1970s A sculptural presence in any room, the "Brioche" sofa by Hans Hopfer for Rolf Benz embodies t...
Velvet
Bogo Modular Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1970s -New Upholstery
By Carlo Bartoli
Located in Brussels, BE
Bogo Modular Sofa by Carlo Bartoli for Rossi di Albizzate, 1970s - New Upholstery
Velvet
Rare Environ Tre Sculptural Sofa by Edoardo Landi, Gruppo N, Nikol, Italy 1971
By Edoardo Landi, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rare Sculptural sofa by Edoardo Landi for Nikol Internazionale, Italy 1971 With this sofa you not only get comfort in your home, but also a great work of Art. The sofa creates a shell-like environment that cocoons the sitter. With your own imagination, the sofa can be set up in different ways. This sofa would look beautiful in a Mohair or bouclé Fabric Each sofa is 230 cm in length, 100cm width, the hight is 60cm, seat height 35cm. When setup like a corner 230cmx330cm Born in Modena in 1937, Italy, Landi studied architecture in Venice and attends the School of Industrial Design in Venice between 1962 and 1964. In 1959, he founds Group N with Alberto Biasi, Manfredo Massironi, Toni Costa and Ennio Chiggio. Landi’s work is based on the use of geometric shapes with programmed inclinations or separations, through which he manages changes in the viewer's perception. The artist develops retinal fatigue and optical illusions in some of his works, causing a closer relationship between the viewer and the work. In 1963, he participates with Grupo N at the IV Biennale Internazionale d'Arte di San Marino, where they receive their first prize. Since 1968, his works have been present in international exhibitions in Rome, Oslo, Tokyo, Budapest, Bologna, Paris, Milan and other cities. Since 1971 he has been interested in graphic design and the use of Industrial objects in interior design. Often this sofa is sold as an Ennio Chiggio sofa but is not from his hand, however the sofa was produced by Nikol wich Chiggio also designed for. They were also both a member of the art movement Gruppo N...
Fabric, Foam
Sofa by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot, Italy, 1970s
Fabric
