The German Werkbund: The Politics of Reform in the Applied Arts

For years one of Germany's foremost cultural organizations, the Werkbund included in its membership such pioneers of the modern movement as Henry van de Velde, Hermann Muthesius, Walter Gropius, and Mies van der Rohe. Joan Campbell traces its history from its founding in 1907 to 1934, when it was absorbed into the bureaucracy of the National Socialist State.

The Werkbund set out to prove that organized effort could revitalize the applied arts and architecture. In addition to acting as an agent of reform, it provided a forum for the debate of such broad concerns as the need to restore joy and dignity to work in modem industry.

Originally published in 1978.

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