'WMF' was founded in 1853 with 16 workers, influenced by the Art Nouveau style.
In 1914, factories were opened in Germany, Poland, and Austria.
The company's first catalogs appeared in 1856 and 1859. The products were made of silver-plated metal and crystal. Among their works are candlesticks, planters, punch bowls, cardholders, vases, fruit bowls, and cutlery, among others.
The company was awarded several prizes, and its international success heralded a period of greater expansion.
German Emperor Wilhelm II presented a small museum at Harvard University.
In 1905, WMF acquired a majority stake in the companyAG Orivit, which manufactures products under the name "Orivit".
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Style Art Nouveau
The name "Art Nouveau" in French means "new art." It is also known as “Jugendstil” in Germany. In contrast, in Vienna and Italy it is called "Liberty".
It employs curvilinear designs with sinuous, asymmetrical lines, often based on plant forms, as well as stylized female silhouettes.
The style was used in architecture, interior design, glassware, jewelry, sculpture, painting, furniture, posters, and illustration.
New materials were introduced, such as opals and semi-precious stones.
The Art Nouveau style had its greatest momentum at the Universal Exposition of 1900 in Paris.
After that, it spread throughout Europe, the United States, and Australia.
In Paris, you can see the metro entrances, and in Belgium, its countless buildings.
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