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INVENTORY OF THE OTTO WAGNER
CORRESPONDENCE, 1885-1917
870399
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Table of contents
Title: Otto Wagner correspondence
Date (inclusive): 1885-1917
Collection number: 870399
Creator:
Wagner, Otto, 1841-1918
Extent:
ca. 130 items
Repository:
Getty Research Institute
Research Library
Special Collections and Visual Resources
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90049-1688
Abstract: Primarily letters sent to Otto Wagner, the Austrian architect and teacher, from other architects, artists, publishers, and
students. Letters concern the work of Wagner and his correspondents, Wagner's influence, and exhibitions. Includes five letters
from Wagner dated between 1902-1917.
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Language: Collection material is in German.
Open for use by qualified researchers. Many of the letters have typescript copies.
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Library Rights and Reproductions
Otto Wagner Correspondence, 1885-1917, Getty Research Institute, Research Library, Accession no. 870399.
Acquired in 1987.
Otto Wagner, known as the father of Vienna architects, was an architect, writer and teacher, whose followers included Josef
Hoffman and J. M. Olbrich. Wagner studied architecture at the Vienna Polytechnic School (1857-1859) and the Academy of Fine
Arts in Vienna (1861-1863). His writings include
Moderne Architektur (1895) and his (nearly utopian) work on urban design,
Die Grosstadt (1911). Wagner's architectural designs mark the change from the historical styles of the 19th century (in Wagner's early
designs this meant a sober use of Renaissance forms and details), to the modernism of the beginning of the 20th century. Most
of his designs consist of private and public buildings in and around Vienna. In his designs (particularly after 1890s), writings
and teaching, Wagner addressed one major issue: the search for new forms best suited for modern, urban life
Scope and Content of Collection
The Otto Wagner Correspondence consists of ca. 130 letters to Otto
Wagner primarily from architects, artists, publishers and students
concerning the work of Wagner and that of his correspondents. Also
included are 5 letters from Wagner dated between 1902-1917. Letters are dated 1885-1917, the bulk between 1902-1915.
Correspondents include Joseph Olbrich (18 letters, 1899-1907,
mostly concerning his and Wagner's submissions for exhibitions, the
Basel railroad station project, publications, and personal matters);
Hermann Muthesius (2 letters, 1903 and 1905, one discussing a project
to preserve historical buildings); Koloman Moser (8 letters, 1905,
1907 and 1911, mostly about his altar designs for Kirche am Steinhof
and problems relating to the execution of the designs, includes
sketches); and Joseph August Lux, (4 letters,1909-1914). Letters from
various people discuss Wagner's church designs and the conflict
between design and church dogma. Letters from students discuss their
architectural work and Wagner's lasting influence. Other letters
relate to a Cologne exhibition, 1906-1907, and Wagner's work as an
officer of the Congres Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne.
For most of the
letters there is also a typescript copy which is filed with the
original.
Arrangement
The letters are arranged in one series by date and correspondent with undated
correspondence at the end. Multiple letters from one correspondent
remain together and are arranged chronologically after the earliest
letter. Wagner's letters are interfiled by date.
Lux, Joseph Aug. (Joseph August), 1871-1947
Moser, Koloman, 1868-1918
Muthesius, Hermann, 1861-1927
Olbrich, Joseph Maria, 1867-1908
Wagner, Otto, 1841-1918
International Congress for Modern Architecture
Architecture—Austria—20th century
Moser, Koloman, 1868-1918
Muthesius, Hermann, 1861-1927
Olbrich, Joseph Maria, 1867-1908