The German Werkbund

Founded in Munich in 1907, the Deutscher Werkbund was a collaborative enterprise of architects, artists, designers and craftsmen whose aim was to renew and refine the arts and crafts, as well as to beautify and modernise everyday life. The main focus was on standardising products, production and quality, as well as promoting functional, forward-looking ideas of a new way of living. Unlike the British Arts and Crafts movement, most members of the Deutscher Werkbund did not reject machine production, which ultimately helped the movement achieve a breakthrough and decisive commissions in 1914.