Their art was whimsical, elegant, ‘scandalous,’ and colorful. It was also revolutionary.

Cathryn J Prince | Forward | 27th July 2026

The Wiener Werkstätte opened in 1903 with grand ambitions and produced sleek modernist objects (jewellery, tableware, fashions, ceramics) using expensive materials. It was highly influential – think the Bauhaus and minimalism. Art history gives most credit for this to the male founders but in fact female designers and artisans were major contributors. They helped “shape modernity” and women’s roles and capabilities in that emerging world. Says one critic, “gender is a very vital subject.“. Images are here.