Paul Haustein – Versatile Master of the Decorative Arts

Early Education and Training

Paul Haustein was born in 1880 in Chemnitz and later studied at the renowned Kunstgewerbeschule in both Dresden and Munich. His early education was foundational in shaping his versatile skill set, which encompassed enamelwork, metalworking, ceramic design, furniture design, and graphic design.

Exploring the Aesthetic Possibilities of Metalwork

Haustein’s experimental approach to enamel and metal was remarkable. He worked for prestigious companies like Vereinigte Werkstätten für Kunst im Handwerk in Munich and Bruckmann und Söhne in Heilbronn. These roles allowed him to explore materials like silver and copper in novel ways, including unique combinations and enamel-covered copper pieces. His work exhibited rich abstract foliate scroll ornamentation, indicative of his imaginative prowess.

Academic and Teaching Endeavors

Haustein also ventured into academia. He was a professor at Peter Behrens’ “Applied Art Master Course” in Nuremberg and later taught metalworking at the Bernhard Pankok-run Kunstgewerbeschule in Stuttgart for 30 years. His pedagogical roles highlighted his commitment to imparting knowledge and techniques to future generations of designers.

Innovation and Recognition

His works received widespread acclaim, including a prize at the 1903 World Exhibition. Notably, one of his designs, a tureen, was displayed at the 1910 Brussels Exposition as a pioneering example of Art Deco design. This was a counterpoint to Henry van de Velde’s functional forms and marked a significant milestone in Haustein’s creative journey.

Final Thoughts

Paul Haustein passed away in 1944, but his multifaceted legacy continues to serve as an inspiration in various fields of decorative and applied arts. His works not only broke new ground but also contributed to shaping design movements like Art Deco.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

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