The Studio yearbook of decorative art (1908)

AUSTRIAN ARCHITECTURE AND DECORATION

of the younger architects:—Otto Prutscher (A 27, 33, 46 and 47),
whose delicate fancy is ever ripe for fresh impressions, which he
expresses in beautiful designs, symmetrical, harmonious, and rich
in ornamental effect : Emil Pirchan (A 17, 18, 20, 22 and 23),
a native of Briinn in Moravia, more severe in his style, earnest,
broad in the treatment of his designs, and full of the fire of
youthful enthusiasm : Hans Ofner (A 9 to 13), also severe, but
his severity is of another kind ; he is the unmistakeable pupil of a
great teacher, Prof. Hoffmann ; there is rhythm and harmony, and
at the same time real joyousness, in his work : Gustav Siegel (A 19),
who is devoting all his energy to the solving of the bent-wood
problem, ably supported by Messrs. J. & J. Kohn. The develop-
ment during the past year in this special branch of art justifies
predicting a great future. The designs are a great advance on
previous ones, and prove the advantage of having a good artist on
the spot. This also applies to the wicker-work furniture and other
objects made at the Prag Rudniker Werkstatte, under the direction
of Architect W. Schmidt. Freiherr Von Krauss (A 8, 14 to 16
and 21), needs hardly mentioning here, his work is so well known ;
Alfred Keller's designs (A 1 to 7), are welcome, his music room,
black ebony furniture and old blue upholstery, and hangings well
conceived, harmonious and simple, strikes a true chord. His
sanatorium, well adapted to its purpose, is everywhere duly
proportionate and thoughtful.

The demand for textiles of modern design is growing ; there
seems to be a preference for those based on the Biedermaier or old
Vienna period. These are beautiful in texture and colour, as also
in design, and offer a wide field for thought. It is a pity that
more firms do not occupy themselves with the manufacture of
modern designs in table linen, these surely would find purchasers.
At present efforts are being made in this direction by Norbert
Langer & Co. (A 32), who, by offering prizes, have done much
to stimulate artists in this branch of manufacture.

There is always a demand for modern china, and many lady
designers have turned their attention in this direction. Some
of their designs manufactured by Boch and Wahliss (A 29 and 30)
are exceedingly beautiful and refreshing to the eye. The ceramics
designed by M. Powolny (A 28) and B. LefHer are real works of
art and worthy of reception in any collection, their beauty of
design being enhanced by excellence of execution ; they are made
by the artists themselves in their Wiener Keramische Werkstatte.
The designs for sofa cushions by L. Forstner (A 34 to 45) are
both original and artistic, while Fraulein Pfaff (A 31), in distant
Chemnitz, is also gaining fame for her designs for embroidery.

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