Leather Signboard from the Textile Department of the Wiener Werkstätte: “Stoffe der Wiener Werkstätte”, c. 1915

This leather signboard was created in 1915 at the Wiener Werkstätte based on a design by the architect, designer and graphic artist Dagobert Peche (1887–1923). It was the professed wish of the Wiener Werkstätte’s founders for their creations to reach as many areas of life as possible, an idea known as Gesamtkunstwerk, or universal work of art. Thus, the Wiener Werkstätte’s permises at Neustiftgasse 32–34 also comprised a leather workshop. In 1911, the Wiener Werkstätte additionally opened a fashion department, as it had produced fabrics since around 1910. In terms of fashion, the Wiener Werkstätte did not necessarily follow Parisian trends but consistently pursued its own visions. The rectangular object is made from dark-brown leather and features gold-embossed lettering and decorative stars. Together with the leather, these gold ornaments determine the item’s overall elegant and luxurious character. For the designers of the Wiener Werkstätte approached every object, no matter how small, with the same diligence and care.

MR, 2021