Peter Behrens (1868 – 1940) was a German graphic artist, architect and designer. He studied at the Karlsruhe and in Düsseldorf and Munich.
Professional Career
In 1893, he joined the avant-garde group associated with the Munich Secession. In 1896, he travelled in Italy in 1898 studied industrial mass production.
Following the lead of the Wiener Werkstätte, in 1897 (with Hermann Obrist, Bruno Paul, Bernhard Pankok, and Richard Riemerschmid) founded Vereinigte Werkstätten fur Kunst im Handwerk (United Workshops for Art in Hand-Work), aiming to sell everyday objects designed by Modern artists. Inspired by English models, worked there as a painter and graphic designer.
Early Jugendstil designs were replaced by a Cubist and Rationalist style seen in his plans for the house in the Darmstadt artists’ colony of 1901 and the Pavilion of Decorative Arts at 1902 Turin ‘Esposizione Internazionale d’Arte Decorativa Moderna.’
In 1899, the Grand Duke Louis IV of Hesse-Darmstadt included Behrens forming the art colony at Darmstadt. His first building was his 1901 house at Darmstadt, where he had an opportunity to employ his abilities as an architect and designer of furniture, glass, ceramics, silver, and jewellery; in Darmstadt, designed silver flatware in the Secession style made by M.J. Rückert and a desk set by Martin Mayer. Ornamentation disappeared on his silverWork, especially that produced by Franz Bahner, Düsseldorf.
Bruckmann und Sohne, Heilbronn made other silverwares. Having left the artists’ colony, he lived in Düsseldorf where he was director of the Kunstgewerbeschule 1904-07; (with Hermann Muthesius and others) founded the Deutscher Werkbund (German Work Association).
AEG Turbine Factory
On the invitation of AEG managing director Walter Rathenau, began to work in Berlin from 1908 on the corporate identity of the enormous German industrial combine, for which Behrens produced architecture, graphics, kettles, electric fans, and clocks, the first time a firm had hired an artist to advise on all facets of industrial design; designed the seminal 1908-09 AEG turbine factory and several other buildings for AEG. His style was not one that lends itself easily to canonisation; indeed, even the Turbine Factory itself is difficult to appreciate without understanding its historical context.
Summary of Work
Some porcelain designs were produced by Manufaktur Mehlam Gebr, Bauscher, Weiden, Bonn, and glass designs by Rhemische Glashtütten, Köln-Ehrenfeld. For a time in 1910, Le Corbusier (1910-11), Gropius (1907-10), and Mies van der Rohe (1908-11) worked side by side in Behrens’s office. In the 1910s, Behrens designed linoleum patterns for Delmenhorster Linoleum Fabrik, an early member of the Werkbund. From 1922, he was the director of both schools of architecture at Akademie der bildenden Künste, Vienna, and, from 1936, Preussische Akademie der Künste, Berlin. In 1926, he designed the house ‘New Ways,’ Northampton (England). In 1932, collaborated with Ferdinand Wilm and others to form Gesellschaft für Goldschmiedekunst (Society for Gold-smiths’ Work).
cup; saucer | British Museum
Cup and saucer, hard-paste porcelain, glazed white with overglaze printed linear pattern in red; octagonal in shape, the cup with incurved sides, the saucer completely flat with no central depression to hold the cup and a deep angled rim. Factory mark on base.
Sources
Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing.
ArchDaily Website. (2020, April 14). Spotlight: Peter Behrens. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/619290/spotlight-peter-behrens.
More German Designers
Glassmakers Famous Outsiders: Karl Koepping and Friedrich Zitzmann
During the Art Nouveau period, Karl Koepping and Friedrich Zitzmann redefined glass art with delicate, intricate designs, showcasing its artistic…
Keep readingThe KANDEM Lamp by Marianne Brandt and Hin Bredendieck
The vintage KANDEM Lamp by Marianne Brandt and Hin Bredendieck epitomizes Bauhaus design, blending functionality and aesthetics in a timeless,…
Keep readingThe Bauhaus and the Decorative and Applied Arts: A Fusion of Form and Function
The Bauhaus, founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius, redefined artistic education and design by uniting fine arts, crafts, and industry.…
Keep readingTravando’s Mens Wallet
The Travando Men’s Slim Wallet with Money Clip, designed in Germany, offers sleek elegance, RFID protection, and ample storage for…
Keep readingThe Artistry of Saskia Marka: A Modern Maestro in Film Title Design
Saskia Marka, a prominent figure in film title design, has revolutionized the industry with her work on “The Queen’s Gambit,”…
Keep readingUwe Fischer: A Unique Blend of Function and Aesthetics in Design
Uwe Fischer, a German designer, founded Ginbande Design with Achim Heine, contributing to the 1980s Neues Deutsches Design movement. His…
Keep readingL’estel ferit: A Testament to Barcelona’s Creative Shoreline
Rebecca Horn’s ‘L’estel ferit’ in Barcelona’s Barceloneta Beach, crafted from corten steel, reflects city’s resilience, industrial history, and the interaction…
Keep readingThe Berlin Underground Signage: Tradition and Technology
Berlin’s underground signage, designed by Erik Spiekermann and MetaDesign, seamlessly blends modernist type design with technology, guiding passengers effectively.
Keep readingFred Lowen: A Pioneer in Australian Furniture Design
Fred Lowen, a German-Australian designer, fled Nazi Germany and found success in Australia. His iconic furniture ranges and enduring legacy…
Keep readingUlrike Brandi Licht (b.1957), Trailblazing German Lighting Designer
Ulrike Brandi, a German lighting designer, achieved acclaim through innovative creations and sustainable designs. Her notable projects and awards solidify…
Keep readingBruno Paul (1874 – 1968), German Architect and Designer
Bruno Paul (1874 – 1968) was a German architect, cabinetmaker, designer, and teacher. He was born in Seifhennersdorf. He studied…
Keep readingClaus Luthe: A Visionary Automobile Designer from Germany
Claus Luthe, a prominent figure in automobile design, innovatively shaped NSU, Audi-NSU, and BMW with “bathtub” and wedge form designs,…
Keep readingPeter Raacke (b.1928), German metalworker and designer
German metalworker Peter Raacke, renowned for his Mono-a cutlery and Papp series furniture, studied design at the Staatliche Zeichenakedemie and…
Keep readingAnni Albers (1899 – 1994) German Textile Designer, artist and teacher
Anni Albers, a pioneering German textile designer, artist, and teacher, played a crucial role in shaping American fiber art philosophy…
Keep readingThe Legacy of Erna Zarges-Dürr, German Silversmith
Erna Zarges-Dürr, a renowned German silversmith, crafted meticulously proportioned silver pieces with modern ornamentation. She received recognition at international exhibitions.
Keep readingWalther Klemm: The Master of Monochromatic Woodblock Prints
Walther Klemm, a German artist known for monochromatic woodblock prints, had a profound impact on the art world, notably through…
Keep readingWolf Karnagel: A Visionary German Designer and Teacher
Wolf Karnagel, a prominent German designer, is known for iconic glass designs, sterling silver flatware, and extensive contributions to education…
Keep readingAlbert Reimann (1874 – 1971) German Metalworker and Educator
Albert Reimann, a prominent metalworker and educator, founded the School for Small Sculpture in Berlin in 1902. The school flourished…
Keep readingFrei Otto (1925 – 2015) German Architect designs that soared
Frei Otto, a pioneering German architect known for his lightweight, nature-inspired structures, influenced prominent architects and won the prestigious Pritzker…
Keep readingLange Gerd (b.1931): A Trailblazing German Designer
Lange Gerd, a German designer, revolutionized the design industry with his versatile furniture and lighting creations, gaining recognition through prestigious…
Keep readingFrog Design: A Pioneer in Humanising the Artificial Environment
Frog Design, founded in 1969 in Germany, has left a global mark with its visually expressive and ergonomically successful products.…
Keep readingHans Poelzig (1869-1936), German Architect and Designer
Hans Poelzig, a prominent German architect and designer, made significant contributions to monumental buildings and architectural education in Germany during…
Keep readingPaul Haustein – Versatile Master of the Decorative Arts
Paul Haustein, born in 1880, gained fame through his versatile skills, such as enamelwork and metalworking. He worked for prestigious…
Keep readingJugendstil: An Exploration of an Artistic Style
Jugendstil, an Art Nouveau style originating in Germany in the mid-1890s, evolved from floral to abstract, influencing jewelry and design.…
Keep readingLilly Reich (1885 – 1947) – German Interior Designer
Lilly Reich (1885 – 1947), German designer, collaborated with Mies van der Rohe, joined Bauhaus, and exhibited internationally, leaving an…
Keep readingWalter Gropius (1883 – 1969) is the History of Modern Architecture
Walter Gropius, a German architect, played a key role in the development of modern architecture, particularly through the founding of…
Keep readingAnchor Blocks – 19th Century Construction Toy
Anchor Blocks, a German building system, influenced Frank Lloyd Wright’s design philosophy. Precisely engineered with durable materials, they were popular…
Keep readingAEG – German Lighting Firm – Est. 1883
Engineer Emil Rathenau founded AEG as the Deutsche Edison Gesellschaft für angewandte Elektrizitäts (DEG) two years after seeing Edison’s lighting…
Keep readingIngo Maurer (1932 – 2019) – industrial Designer – Poet of Light
Ingo Maurer was a German industrial designer who specialised in the development of lighting fixtures and installations. “Poet of Light”…
Keep readingMargaret Leischner (1908 – 1970) German textile designer
Margaret Leischner (1908-1970), a German textile designer, studied at Bauhaus, and worked in London, leaving a legacy featured in MoMA…
Keep readingFriedrich Adler (1878 – 1942), German Sculptor and Designer
Friedrich Adler, born in Germany in 1878, was a versatile artist known for his work in art, design, and teaching…
Keep readingMillion Mark Note – Design Classic
The Bauhaus was the most well-known design school of the 20th century. Herbert Bayer created notes in denominations of one…
Keep readingHerbert Bayer (1900 – 1985) – Universal Typeface – Bauhaus Master
The universal typeface, 1925, was a geometric alphabet based on bar and circle and was designed by Herbert Bayer. READ…
Keep readingTheodor Bogler (1897-1968) German Ceramicist and Designer
Theodor Bogler (1897 – 1968) studied at the Bauhaus and the University of Munich. He designed a 1923 mocha machine…
Keep readingArzberg Porcelain – Prestigious German Design
Arzberg is regarded as one of the most prestigious porcelain design houses in the world. The definition of good design.…
Keep readingHermann Junger (b.1928) Bauhaus Influenced Jewellery
Hermann Junger, a renowned goldsmith and teacher, shaped modern jewelry through Bauhaus influence. His expressive, religious-themed designs resonate globally. More…
Keep readingChristian Dell (1893 – 1974) German Metalworker Designer
Christian Dell, a German silversmith and Bauhaus metal workshop foreman, pursued industrial design and returned to silversmithing, leaving a legacy…
Keep readingHermann Zapf (1918 – 2015) German Typographer and Calligrapher
Hermann Zapf (1918 – 2015), a renowned typeface designer, created popular typefaces like Palatino, Optima, and Zapfino, covering the evolution…
Keep readingTrude Petri-Raben (1906 – 1989) German Ceramicist
Trude Petri-Raben, a German ceramicist, studied and worked in Germany and the USA. Her unornamented, high-glaze porcelain designs garnered international…
Keep readingOtto Zapf German Product and Furniture Designer
Otto Zapf has created an essential system of furniture designs. Including the Zapf Office System by Knoll and 7500 workstations…
Keep readingFranz Rickert (1904-1991) German Silversmith
Franz Rickert (1904-1991), a German Silversmith, apprenticed in Mayrhofer’s workshop, studied in Munich, and became a prominent silversmith and enameler,…
Keep readingFerdinand Kramer (1898 – 1985) German Architect and Designer
Kramer’s father was the owner of the most well-known of Frankfurt hat shops. In 1916, immediately after school, Kramer was…
Keep readingHermann Gretsch (1895 – 1950) Designer for Arzberg
Hermann Gretsch was a German architect, engineer and product designer. In the 1930s, Gretsch worked for the Porzellanfabrik Arzberg.
Keep readingKonstantin Grcic Unveils – CUP Chair For Plank | 🇩🇪 German Design
For travellers, the benefits of plastic shell suitcases have come to be appreciated. They are extremely light and flexible, yet…
Keep readingEmmy Roth (1885 – 1942) German / Israeli Silversmith
Emmy Roth (1885 – 1942), a German Jewish silversmith, created innovative metalwork influenced by Baroque and modern design, gaining international…
Keep readingOscar Barnack (1879 – 1936) and the First 35mm Camera
The Leica 1, the first functional 35 mm camera, was introduced in Germany in 1925, making photography much more accessible…
Keep readingWilhelm Wagenfeld (1900 – 1990) German Architect and Industrial Designer
He was an assistant lecturer at the Bauhaus in Weimar from 1922 to 1929, where he primarily designed lighting fixtures.
Keep readingKlaus Moje: A Glass Artist And Educator Who Changed The Field
Klaus Moje was a renowned glass artist known for innovations in the art of glass fusion. He also significantly contributed…
Keep readingHerbert Bayer: The Complete Work – Book
Herbert Bayer, a key figure in the Bauhaus movement, revolutionized art with functionality and avant-garde style. “Herbert Bayer: The Complete…
Keep readingWinold Reiss (1886-1953) German Artist and Designer
Winold Reiss, a German artist and designer, created unique portraiture blending cubism, fauvism, and ethnography, and contributed to the Harlem…
Keep readingYou may also be interested in
Winold Reiss German artist and designer – Encyclopedia of Design
Winold Reiss (1886-1953) was a German artist and designer. He was born September 16, 1886, in Karlsruhe, Germany, Reiss grew up with fine art. His father was Frits Reiss, one of Germany’s most famous portrait and landscape painters.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.