VIENNESE CRAFT

As Vienna Design Week 2019 approaches, we take a moment to reflect on the rich history of Viennese craftsmanship and its enduring relevance in the modern design landscape.

Founded in 1903, the Wiener Werkstätte stands as one of the most influential design movements of the 20th century. Emerging from the Vienna Secession, it played a pivotal role in shaping the Art Nouveau aesthetic. The Wiener Werkstätte sought to bridge traditional craftsmanship with the avant-garde, aiming to bring modernism into the home through exquisite, handcrafted objects.

Co-founded by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, the movement united various crafts—metalwork, leather, bookbinding, woodworking, painting—into a cohesive and highly refined aesthetic. Rejecting mass production, they focused on creating unique pieces such as jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, and enamelware, championing quality and craftsmanship above all.

At Bodo Sperlein, we share a deep passion for preserving these traditional techniques while revitalizing them for the 21st century. Our studio is committed to transforming heritage materials—silver, ceramic, stone, metal, and wood—into contemporary, functional art. Through innovation, we aim to create new contexts for these materials, shifting perceptions of craft and its timeless value.

This spirit of Viennese Modernism is brought to life in our latest collections, such as the Script lighting series for Lobmeyr and the Onda silverware collection for Jarosinski & Vaugoin. We are proud to showcase these designs at this year’s Vienna Design Week, where tradition meets innovation.

Bodo’s work is always inspired by historical references and driven by a commitment to craftsmanship. We invite you to join us at Vienna Design Week from September 27th to October 6th, where you can experience these new collections firsthand at Kärntnerstrasse 26, Vienna.