German Association of Craftsmen(Deutscher Werkbund) in 1907

2023-09-28

What is German Association of Craftsmen(Deutscher Werkbund)?

The Deutscher Werkbund (German Association of Craftsmen) was a German association of artists, architects, designers, and industrialists established in 1907. It became an important element in the development of modern architecture and industrial design, particularly in the later creation of the Bauhaus school of design. Its initial purpose was to establish a partnership of product manufacturers with design professionals to improve the competitiveness of German companies in global markets.

German Association of Craftsmen(Deutscher Werkbund) History

The Deutscher Werkbund (German Association of Craftsmen) was founded in Munich in 1907 by a group of artists, architects, designers, and industrialists. The organization’s goal was to improve the quality of German design and craftsmanship in order to make German products more competitive in the global market.

The Werkbund was influenced by the British Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized the importance of traditional craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials. However, the Werkbund also embraced new technologies and materials, and its members advocated for a more modern aesthetic in design.

The Werkbund organized exhibitions and competitions, published a journal, and lobbied the government to support its goals. It also established its own workshops to produce high-quality, well-designed products. The Werkbund’s work was influential in promoting the use of new materials and technologies, as well as in developing a new aesthetic for modern design.

Among the Werkbund’s most notable members were Peter Behrens, Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier. These architects and designers went on to become leaders of the modernist movement in architecture and design.

The Werkbund was dissolved by the Nazi regime in 1934. However, it was re-established in 1950 and continues to be active today. The Werkbund remains committed to its original goals of promoting good design and craftsmanship.

Here is a timeline of some key events in the history of the Deutscher Werkbund:

1907: Founded in Munich
1914: Werkbund Exhibition in Cologne
1924: Bauhaus school of design founded by Walter Gropius, a Werkbund member
1934: Dissolved by the Nazi regime
1950: Re-established
2007: Celebrates its 100th anniversary

The Deutscher Werkbund played a significant role in the development of modern architecture and design. Its members advocated for a new aesthetic that was both functional and beautiful. The Werkbund’s work helped to shape the way we live and work today.

German Association of Craftsmen(Deutscher Werkbund) Activity

The Deutscher Werkbund (German Association of Craftsmen) is a non-profit organization that promotes good design and craftsmanship. It was founded in 1907 and has been active ever since, even during the Nazi regime when it was dissolved and then re-established in 1950.

The Werkbund’s current activities include:

Organizing exhibitions and competitions to showcase the work of contemporary designers and makers
Publishing a journal and other publications on design and craftsmanship
Lobbying the government to support good design and craftsmanship
Educating the public about the importance of good design and craftsmanship

The Werkbund is also involved in a number of specific projects, such as:

The Werkbundarchiv – Museum der Dinge (Werkbund Archive – Museum of Things) in Berlin, which houses a collection of over 100,000 objects from the 20th century, including furniture, appliances, and other everyday items
The Werkbund Werkstatt (Werkbund Workshop), which provides a space for designers and makers to work together on new projects
The Werkbund Akademie (Werkbund Academy), which offers educational programs on design and craftsmanship

The Werkbund is a leading voice in the promotion of good design and craftsmanship in Germany. Its work has helped to shape the way we live and work today.

Here are some specific examples of recent Werkbund activities:

In 2022, the Werkbund organized an exhibition called “The New German Standard” at the Museum of Design in Hamburg. The exhibition featured the work of contemporary designers who are working to create new standards for German design.
In 2021, the Werkbund launched a new initiative called “Werkbund Handwerk” (Werkbund Craftsmanship). This initiative aims to promote the work of traditional craftspeople in Germany.
In 2020, the Werkbund published a book called “Gute Gestaltung” (Good Design). This book explores the concept of good design and its importance for society.

The Werkbund is a dynamic and active organization that is committed to promoting good design and craftsmanship in Germany and around the world.