Otto Prutscher: Pioneer of Austrian Design
Otto Prutscher, a key figure in Austrian design, excelled in glassware while promoting modernism through the Wiener Werkstätte, combining decorative elements with functional simplicity.Read More →
January 31, 2025
Austrian design has a rich history spanning 150 years, with notable movements and achievements in architecture, furniture design, fashion, and graphic design. Notable movements include the Wiener Werkstätte, founded in 1903 by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, which united art, design, and craftsmanship. Adolf Loos, an influential Austrian architect and theorist, advocated for functionalism and minimalism in design, while the Vienna Secession, founded in 1897, embraced various art forms. The Vienna Workshop, established in 1914, united traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. Post-war Austrian design saw architects like Hans Hollein and Coop Himmelb(l)au pushing the boundaries of modern architecture. In contrast, industrial design companies like Braun and Viteo gained international recognition. Contemporary Austrian design continues to make a mark on the international design scene, with designers like EOOS and Patrick Rampelotto creating innovative and sustainable pieces.
Otto Prutscher, a key figure in Austrian design, excelled in glassware while promoting modernism through the Wiener Werkstätte, combining decorative elements with functional simplicity.Read More →
Michael Powolny was a pivotal Austrian sculptor and ceramicist whose innovative designs significantly influenced Viennese Art Nouveau and early Art Deco, blending tradition with modernism.Read More →
Oskar Strnad, born in 1879, was a multifaceted genius known for his contributions to architecture, sculpture, and design. Through teaching and designing innovative concepts, he profoundly influenced Viennese modernism and the Vienna School of Architecture.Read More →
Early 20th century Vienna was a hotbed of creativity in art, architecture, and design, particularly due to influential figures like Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser. Involved with Wiener Werkstätte, they created utilitarian yet artistically innovative furniture, shaping Austrian design significantly.Read More →
The 1924 International Exhibition of New Theatre Technique, curated by Frederick Kiesler, revolutionized performance architecture, emphasizing immersive experiences and cross-disciplinary collaboration in design.Read More →
Wiener Werkstatte was based on the ideals of the guild system & developed a direct relationship between designers and craftspeople. Read More →
Valerie Wieselthier, an Austrian designer (1895-1945), was known for her distinctive ceramic styles. She contributed to the Wiener Werkstätte and worked extensively in the U.S. post-1929.Read More →
Dagobert Peche was a multi-disciplined Austrian designer known for his innovative work in ceramics, metalwork, and architecture, significantly influencing early 20th-century Viennese design.Read More →
By the time the Viennese architect Otto Wagner (1841-1918) began publishing the drawings included in this colouring book, he had already spent much of his career designing historicist-style buildings. But his attitude was changing, and he completely ignored those early designs in time.Read More →
Jean Perzel (1892-1986), an Austrian designer, pioneered innovative lighting designs, utilizing various glass techniques and focusing on efficient illumination for significant architectural spaces.Read More →