'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 Deco
"The name Art Deco was assigned in the 1960s, at the exhibition "Les Années 25" held in Paris at the Museum of Decorative Arts.
The first pieces could be seen at the International Exhibition of "Decorative Arts and Modern Industry" held in Paris in 1925. This exhibition was a direct response to the Turin exhibitions of 1902 and Milan of 1906.
The Art Deco style emerged between 1920 and 1940 and is represented by symmetrical, rectilinear lines, abstract designs, and bold colors.
It featured the implementation of exotic materials such as parchment, shagreen (the skin of a small shark or ray), chrome pieces, and enamels, as well as ivory and mother-of-pearl inlays.
In contrast, Art Nouveau was more focused on asymmetrical, curved lines inspired by nature."
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