History of WMF
WMF: A Century of Innovation and Craftsmanship
Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) has played a pivotal role in the metalware industry since its inception in 1880, following the merger of Straub and Sohn and Ritter and Co. This text, based on display boards at North Devon Museums, traces WMF's journey from its early days to becoming a beacon of innovation and design.
Early Developments and Expansions
- 1883: Establishment of a glassworks at the Geislingen factory to produce glass inserts for various products.
- 1890: Acquisition of the Galvanoplastischen Kunstanstalt in Munich, with production moving to Geislingen in 1894. This move expanded WMF’s range to include ornamental statues, architectural decorations, and art replicas.
- 1892: Development of a unique silver plating technique, "Perfect Hard Silver plating," ensuring durability where it's most needed.
Growth and Artistic Direction
- By the early 20th century, WMF had grown significantly, employing over 4,000 workers by 1910. Their international presence was bolstered by sales catalogues in twelve languages and outlets in key European cities.
- 1905: Under Albert Mayer’s leadership, WMF embraced Art Nouveau, leading to a new wave of designs.
- 1925: The establishment of NKA under Hugo Debach, focusing on artistic designs and introducing the "Ikora" finish.
- 1927: Introduction of the "Cromargan" cookware range using V2A steel from Krupp, followed by Cromargan cutlery sets in 1930.
War and Post-War Developments
- The establishment of the Ceramic Workshops in 1935 marked another diversification.
- Post-1945: WMF rebuilt itself, expanding its retail network globally.
- The 1950s and 60s: Due to the growth, new factories were built in Riedlingen and Hayingen.
Celebrating 150 Years
- In 2003, WMF celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a milestone in its rich history.
Notable Designers at WMF
- The period between 1900 and 1907 was marked by prolific Art Nouveau production, with contributions from designers like Albert Mayer and Peter Behrens.
- Hugo Debach played a crucial role, establishing the Neue Kunstgewerbliche Abteilung (NKA) in 1925 and incorporating talents like Richard Riemerschmid, Karl Wiedmann, and Gerda Conitz.
- The 1950s saw contributions from notable designers such as Prof. Wilhelm Wagenfeld.
Researched and written by Tony Geering.