WIENER WERKSTÄTTE arts / crafts 1903-1932

Wiener Werkstätte design icons are currently on display at the Millesgården Museum in Stockholm. The comprehensive exhibition, curated by Anne-Katrin Rossberg from the MAK, Vienna and Martin Liljekvist, shows masterpieces from this pioneering Viennese manufacturing collective, which was founded in 1903 by Josef Hoffmann, Kolo Moser and Fritz Waerndorfer and had a significant impact on the Austrian design world. Gustav Klimt was also closely associated with the “WW”, whether through artistic exchange or through furnishings and jewelry. The Klimt Foundation, Vienna, is providing Gustav Klimt's seal stamp for the Stockholm exhibition. Designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1911 and executed by the Wiener Werkstätte, this outstanding object symbolizes the interaction of art, design and functionality like no other. 

In addition to the aforementioned personalities and the essential WW artists Mela Koehler and Vally Wieselthier, Josef Frank also plays a special role. He was the initiator and construction manager of the Vienna “Werkbundsiedlung”, which opened in 1932. Frank was forced to emigrate to Sweden in 1933, and shortly afterwards he began working with the Swedish interior design company Svenskt Tenn, realizing the majority of his work.

By the way, Austrian art was presented to the Swedish public for the first time in 1917. The exhibition venue was Liljevalchs Konsthall, which still exists today. In addition to an extensive presentation of the Wiener Werkstätte, Gustav Klimt was on display with 13 paintings.

The show [21.09.2024–26.01.2025] at the Millesgården Museum revives Austrian design in a special area after more than 100 years. The Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and his Austrian-born wife Olga (née Granner), an artist herself, created an enchanting refuge that is still sparkling with creativity, artistic energy and a wealth of ideas today.