5 December 2024
 The Wiener Werkstätte represents an unparalleled milestone in Austrian design history, characterized by its enduring spirit of innovation and its profound impact on craftsmanship. Although its era ended in 1932, the optimism and creative impulses it inspired remain influential to this day. The works produced between its founding in 1903 and its closure have left a lasting mark. Austria's designers, artists and architects continue to reflect this legacy. Currently, the 'Poetry of the Ornament' exhibition (article) at the Leopold Museum in Vienna offers a fascinating look into Backhausen's archive of Wiener Werkstätte fabric designs, showcasing their application in interior design, including furniture and home textiles. Among the most significant contributors to this archive is Dagobert Peche. Starting next week, his enduring influence on contemporary design will be celebrated at the MAK (Museum of Applied Arts) through the exhibition 'PECHE POP: Tracing Dagobert Peche in the 21st Century'. The work of Dagobert Peche, a key figure in the Wiener Werkstätte (WW), and its profound influence on contemporary design and art is at the heart of the forthcoming exhibition. Curated by Anne-Katrin Rossberg and designed by architect Claudia Cavallar, the exhibition features over 700 objects that showcase Peche's revolutionary contributions to 20th- and 21st-century design. Born in Salzburg in 1887, Peche challenged traditional norms with his distinctive ornamental style, blending the geometric rigor of WW founders Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser with vibrant, nature-inspired motifs. His versatile work encompassed jewelry, furniture, textiles, and exhibition design, including the celebrated Mode-Ausstellung 1915/16 at the MAK (former 'K.K. Österreichisches Museum für Kunst u. Industrie'), where his theatrical and ephemeral artistry transformed interior spaces. Tragically, Peche passed away in 1923 at just 36 years old, leaving behind an enduring creative heritage. Peche's ability to transform everyday objects into exuberant works of art continues to inspire contemporary designers. The exhibition highlights contributions from artists such as Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood, Jakob Lena Knebl, and Heimo Zobernig, among others, fostering a dynamic dialogue between Peche's visionary creations and modern artistic interpretations. Dagobert Peche's impact extends beyond the MAK exhibition into Vienna's cultural scene. He is celebrated in the current Swarovski Kristallwelten Store Vienna window display, titled 'Archive of Blossoms' (article). Designed by Mischer'Traxler Studio, this vibrant, sculptural reinterpretation of floral motifs from the MAK collection bridges historical and contemporary design, further underscoring Peche's timeless influence. The exhibition PECHE POP: Tracing Dagobert Peche in the 21st Century opens on December 10, 2024, and will be on display from December 11, 2024, to May 11, 2025. Images courtesy of MAK Museum of Applied Arts Vienna: Dagobert Peche, lace inset Frühling [Spring], ca. 1920 Bobbin lace. MAK, T 8467. © MAK. Dagobert Peche, poster Spitzen der Wiener Werkstätte [Wiener Werkstätte Lace], ca. 1920 Planographic print. MAK, PI 11851. © MAK. Photos: © MAK/Georg Mayer. |
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