Wittmann

Heritage

Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten was founded in 1896 by Franz Wittmann as a saddlery in Etsdorf am Kamp, Lower Austria, making saddlery for local farmers. His grandson, also Franz Wittmann, turned production to furniture making and upholstery, and the company began to make its name internationally as a maker of upholstered furniture in the 1950s and grew strongly in the 1960s. It remains a family business, now in its fifth generation.

Philosophy

Wittmann describes its pieces as the product of an uncompromising approach to craft and design. Chairs, sofas, beds and mattresses are still handmade, and production takes place exclusively at the headquarters in Etsdorf, with expertise handed down from generation to generation. "Our inspiration is global, our outlook optimistic and our style eclectic," says Ulrike Wittmann. All coverings are GOTS/Ökotex approved, and the company works with local suppliers and craftspeople.

Iconic Works

Carla Hoffmann, widow of Josef Hoffmann, entrusted Wittmann with the rights to her husband's designs; from the 1970s the company has produced re-editions such as Kubus, Fledermaus, Purkersdorf, Haus Koller and Armlöffel. Long collaborations with Johannes Spalt, Jean Nouvel, Matteo Thun and Paolo Piva were followed by Jaime Hayon's Vuelta series, Sebastian Herkner and Luca Nichetto.

Today

Wittmann employs around 100 people and makes about 15,000 pieces a year, exporting around 70% to more than 50 countries. It runs a flagship store in central Vienna and also works on bespoke commissions for hotels, restaurants, offices and luxury travel interiors.