Finding aid for the Josef Steindl furniture design, circa 1888-1928
Finding aid prepared by Rose Lachman.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Josef Steindl furniture design
Date (inclusive): 1888-1928
Number: 930025
Creator/Collector:
Steindl, Josef
Physical Description:
4.0 linear feet
(7 boxes, 6 flat file folders)
Repository:
The Getty Research Institute
Special Collections
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, California, 90049-1688
(310) 440-7390
Abstract: Architect and professor at the Royal Technical School for Woodworking in Wal. Mesertitsch, and a noted designer of modern,
functional furniture in the 20th century. Steindl designed primarily bentwood and metal tubular furniture. He was, however,
also a master of historical furniture styles as seen in his work of the 1880s and 1890s and in the ornamentation for his bentwood
pieces. Collection comprises 315 original drawings and 571 photographic prints of furniture designs by Steindl, many in historical
styles of the 1890s.
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Language: Collection material is in
German
Biographical / Historical Note
Josef Steindl, architect and professor at the Royal Technical School for Woodworking in Wal. Mesertitsch, was a noted designer
of modern, functional furniture in the 20th century. His designs were intended for manufacture by the leading furniture factories
in Eastern Europe in the early 1900s, the Thonet Bentwood Furniture factory and Jacob and Josef Kohn factory. The two firms
merged in Vienna, 1914 (Kohn's archives were destroyed in the late 1930s).
Steindl designed primarily for the bentwood, metal and tubular steel furniture industry in Moravia between 1880 and 1930.
However, he was also a master of historical furniture styles as is shown in his work of the 1880s and 1890s. Steindl's command
of historical ornament and construction can be seen in his interior designs for cafés, restaurants and various room ensembles.
It is also apparent in his ornamental designs for bentwood furniture.
Administrative Information
Access
Open for use by qualified researchers.
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Josef Steindl furniture design, ca. 1888-1928, Getty Research Institute, Research Library, Accession no. 930025.
http://hdl.handle.net/10020/cifa930025
Acquisition Information
The collection was acquired May 25, 1993.
Processing History
Rose Lachman processed the collection and wrote the finding aid.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection of ca. 315 original drawings and ca. 571 photographic prints of furniture designs by Josef Steindl covers
the years from ca. 1888 to 1928. Ninety photographs are cyanotypes, 54 are of blueprints. Each series in the container list
describes the drawings first, followed by the photographs. Few images are dated. Steindl assigned series numbers to his designs.
These and his signature or monogram are noted. Designs that fall into the category "historic style" are also noted. Photographers'
names and furniture manufacturers' stamps, such as Gebrüder Thonet and Jacob and Josef Kohn are also mentioned. Photographers
include A. Mocsigay, Strelisky (Budapest), Victor Angerer (Vienna), H. Jandaurek (Teschen), Photographie Olga (Vienna), J.
Hybsa and R. Lechner (Vienna).
Arrangement note
The papers are organized in 2 series:
Series I. Individual pieces of furniture and room and furniture ensembles;
Series II. Miscellaneous.
Series I.
Individual pieces of furniture and room and furniture ensembles,
ca. 1888-1928
Physical Description:
ca. 882 items
Scope and Content Note
Designs for individual pieces of furniture, and ensembles and rooms in photographs and original drawings. Arranged in 2 subseries.
Series I.A.
Individual pieces of furniture,
ca. 1888-1928
Physical Description:
ca. 706 items
Scope and Content Note
Drawings and photographs of furniture include chairs and armchairs; benches, sofas and loveseats; tables; vitrines, cupboards,
sideboards and wardrobes; beds; decorative arts such as clocks, frames, mirrors, music stands; and decorative designs for
furniture.
Box 1, Folder 1
Chairs,
1928
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 16 items. 14 chair designs with monogram; style designated as modern.
Box 1, Folder 2
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 9 items. 6 cushioned chair designs with monogram; style designated as classical; one design
with and without measurements (2 sheets); sheet of designs with 2 chairs and 5 seatbacks.
Box 1, Folder 3
Chairs and Armchairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 7 items.
Box 1, Folder 4
Chairs, 1911
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 7 items. First drawing has pencil inscription "Von Herrn Victor Thonet am 9/IX/1911..."
Box 1, Folder 5
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 14 items. 13 designs and folder cover.
Box 1, Folder 6
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 9 items. 3 sheets with several variations of same chair (2 with Steindl's signature, 1 with
monogram).
Box 1, Folder 7
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in colored ink, 4 items. 1 sheet with caption, Gebrüder Thonet, Wien; 3 sheets with Steindl's signature,
includes 1 with date 9.VIII.91.
Box 5*, Folder 1
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 10 items. Each sheet depicts several views of one chair. Drawings intended for a competition.
Unsigned. Handwritten in upper right corner is the code word for each chair.
Box 5*, Folder 2
Swivel Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 6 items.
Box 5*, Folder 3
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 9 items. Each sheet depicts several views of one chair. Unsigned. From series 1:5 and 1:10.
2 sheets from series 1:10 indicate chairs intended for dining room and bedroom.
Box 5*, Folder 4
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black or brown ink, 5 items.
Box 1, Folder 8
Chairs and Armchairs
Scope and Content Note
Photographs (4 cyanotypes), 25 items. 1 sheet with 11 chairs; 1 mount with photographer's stamp, A. Mocsigay; 2 mounts with
stamp of Gebr. Thonet.
Box 1, Folder 9
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Photographs of blueprints, 36 items. Each sheet has Steindl's monogram.
Box 1, Folder 10
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Photographs of blueprints (12) and cyanotypes (8), 20 items. Without monogram; 2 prints with inscription: Wiener-Lager Gerichtsgebäude
5.3.14.
Box 1, Folder 11
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Photographs (4 clippings), 26 items. Photos are from various series numbered at the bottom of each print (series 55=15 prints;
221=1 print; 360=1 print; 363=2 prints; 391=1 print; 392=4 prints; 553=1print; 738=1print).
Box 1, Folder 12
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 55 items. Stamped on verso: Gebrüder Thonet; Series numbered at the bottom of each print (series 75=7 prints;
360=10 prints; 363=1 print; 384=12 prints; 390=1 print; 391=4 prints; 392=1 print; 553=9 prints; 738=10 prints).
Box 1, Folder 13
Chairs and Armchairs
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 56 items. 31 photos with numbers written or printed at bottom; 23 without numbers; 2 stamped on verso: Thonet
and Gebrüder Thonet.
Box 1, Folder 14
Chairs and Armchairs
Scope and Content Note
Cyanotypes, 33 items. 2 stamped on verso: Thonet and Gebrüder Thonet.
Box 1, Folder 15
Chairs and Armchairs
Scope and Content Note
Cyanotypes, 35 items. 24 with series numbered at bottom (1P-20P, and 1 each for 515, 1515, 832, 846). 11 with names for chairs(?)
written at bottom.
Box 1, Folder 16
Chairs, Rocking Chair and Hassock
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 7 items. 5 with photographer's name printed on recto: Strelisky [Budapest] and printed on verso with the firm
nameplate; rocking chair printed on verso with photographer's nameplate: Victor Angerer, Wien; hassock is unidentified.
Box 1, Folder 17
Chairs
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 8 items. Style of chairs designated as historical. 1 sheet with photographer's name: H. Jandaurek, Teschen; 2
with Thonet stamp on verso.
Box 2, Folder 1
Seating ensembles
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 21 items. Each sheet depicts an arrangement with sofa, chair and table.
Box 5*, Folder 5
Seating ensembles
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 3 items. 2 sheets depict a chair with matching table. 1 sheet depicts a sofa with table. All
from series 1:10; 1 sheet with Steindl's monogram and 1 with his signature.
Box 5*, Folder 6
Sofas, Benches and Loveseats
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 13 items. Most sheets show designs from 2 or 3 angles; 2 sheets with Steindl's monogram and
1 with his signature. 11 sheets from series 1:10.
Box 2, Folder 2
Benches and loveseats
Scope and Content Note
Photographs (6), cyanotypes (5), 11 items. 1 sheet with Thonet stamp.
Box 2, Folder 3
Tables
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink (11), photographs (1), 12 items. Designs for tea tables with metal tops; 11 drawings signed
with monogram.
Box 2, Folder 4
Tables
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 11 items. Designs for tea tables with glass tops; signed with monogram.
Box 5*, Folder 7
Tables
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink or pencil, 7 items. 1 sheet with "Arbeitstischchen" (desk) with Steindl's signature and handwritten
upper left gives material used for the table (ash decorated with gilt). See also flat file folder 1**. Another desk drawing
also has Steindl's signature.
Oversize 1**
Table and Decorative Design
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black and colored ink, 2 items. 1 sheet with "Arbeitstischchen" (desk) with Steindl's signature. See
also Box 5*, folder 7.
Box 2, Folder 5
Tables and table stands
Scope and Content Note
Photographs (13), cyanotypes (2), 15 items. Table types include a checker board table, desk and plant stand. 2 sheets with
Thonet printed on recto, one with inscription, "für Hotel Majestic."
Box 2, Folder 6
Tables and table stands
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 6 items. Style of tables designated as historical. 1 sheet with photographer's name: H. Jandaurek, Teschen and
furniture factory: Jacob & Josef Kohn, Teschen.
Box 2, Folder 7
Vitrines and Cupboards
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink (2), colored inks (1), 3 items. 2 designs for the same vitine. Thonet stamp on verso.
Box 5*, Folder 8
Vitrines
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink or pencil, 6 items. 2 sheets with Steindl's monogram and 1 sheet with his signature.
Box 5*, Folder 9
Vitrines
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink or pencil, 13 items. 7 sheets with Steindl's monogram and 1 with his signature. Some sheets
state intended use and give measurements. All are from series 1:10.
Oversize 6**
Vitrine and Sideboard
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 2 items. Both sheets signed by Steindl and from series 1:10.
Box 6*, Folder 1
Sideboards
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black and brown ink, 7 items. 2 sheets with Steindl's monogram and 5 with his signature. All are from
the series 1:10.
Box 6*, Folder 2
Sideboards
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink or pencil, 11 items.
Box 6*, Folder 3
Wardrobes
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink or pencil, 13 items. 2 sheets with Steindl's monogram and 1 with his signature. Several sheets
indicate whether the wardrobe is used for linens or clothes. 11 sheets are from the series 1:10.
Box 6*, Folder 4
Nightstands, Washstands and Dressing Table
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black and colored inks or pencil, 7 items. 2 sheets with Steindl's signature. 6 sheets are from the series
1:10.
Box 6*, Folder 5
Beds and Bedframes
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink or pencil, 8 items. 3 sheets with Steindl's monogram. 7 sheets are from the series 1:10.
Box 2, Folder 8
Wardrobes and Cupboards
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 11 items. Style designated as historical; 2 sheets with photographer's name: Photographie Olga, Wien.
Box 2, Folder 9
Wardrobes and Cupboards, and 1 Bed
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 12 items
Box 2, Folder 10
Decorative Arts, Clocks
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black and colored inks, 10 items. Each sheet has Steindl's monogram.
Box 2, Folder 11
Decorative Arts, Clocks
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 3 items. Style of clocks designated as historical.
Box 2, Folder 12
Decorative Arts, Mirrors
Scope and Content Note
Photographs (4), cyanotypes (1), blueprints (4), 9 items. 1 photograph with photographer's stamp: Photographie Olga, Wien
and signed on photo: Jos Slavik.
Box 2, Folder 13
Decorative Arts, Frames
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 14 items. All frames in style designated as historical (6 in duplicate). 1 sheet with Steindl's signature lower
right; 1 with photographer's name: J. Hybsa; 1 signed by Wilf. Wollmann 1893.
Box 2, Folder 14
Decorative Arts, Miscellany
Scope and Content Note
Original Drawings in black and colored inks, 5 items. 2 sheets with music stands; 2 sheets with decorative designs, one inscribed
for a girl's room; 1 sheet with a high table which opens into a table and chair; none with monogram.
Box 7*, Folder 5
Decorative Arts, Miscellany
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in colored inks, 2 items. Sheet of studies with flowers and an ex libris is signed, Jos. Steindl, August
2, 1902; 1 decorative design on graph paper.
Box 6*, Folder 6
Decorative Arts, Miscellany, Screen (1), Mirrors (2), Clocks (2), Fireplaces (2), Chapel with crucifix (1), Rug (1)
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black and colored inks or pencil, 9 items. 5 sheets with Steindl's signature; 2 sheets from series 1:10
and 2 from 1:20.
Box 2, Folder 15
Decorative Arts, Miscellany, Photographs (19)
Scope and Content Note
Photographs of blueprints (2), 21 items. Objects include candelabrum, candlesticks, vases, chest (signed Tapper '88), decorative
seatbacks (signed ?, '88), decorative panel, crucifix, folding screens (1 signed by Steindl), floral design, bed frames, display
stand (printed with Thonet stamp), hat/coat racks (1 topped with Thonet advertisement globe and inscribed on verso with date
1925. The 2 blueprint photos are birds with Thonet stamp on verso.
Box 3, Folder 1
Decorative Arts, Miscellany
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 19 items. All photos in style designated as historical (multiple copies of 6 images). Photos consist of chests
and decorative panels. 4 sheets signed by Steindl.
Box 3, Folder 2
Decorative Arts, Miscellany
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 21 items. All photos in style designated as historical (multiple copies of 6 images). Photos consist of spinning
wheel, music stand, hand mirrors and decorative elements. 5 sheets signed by Steindl.
Series II.B.
Room and furniture ensembles,
ca. 1888-1928
Physical Description:
176 items
Scope and Content Note
This series contains photographs and original drawings that depict living room and bedroom furniture ensembles, interior views
such as the hunting lodge, Jagdhaus Barwinck and several restaurants and cafés, garden furniture, and house floor plans.
Box 7*, Folder 2
Interior view of 3 walls
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in pencil, 3 items. All sheets with Steindl's monogram and numbered 13-15.
Box 7*, Folder 3
Floor plan for a house,
1916
Scope and Content Note
Steindl designs as a student (2) and sheet of furniture designs, Original drawings in black ink or pencil, 4 items. 2 student
works are dated May, 1916 and October, 1916.
Box 3, Folder 3
Living room and Bedroom Furniture
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 6 items. All photos signed by Steindl and numbered 1-6.
Box 3, Folder 4
Interior views of hunting lodge (Jagdhaus Barwinck)
1906
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 6 items. Handwritten inscription on verso with date Sept 1906.
Box 7*, Folder 1
Garden Furniture
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink or pencil, 43 items. Portfolio with the words "Thonet" and "Gartenmöbel" written on cover.
The portfolio contains 42 designs of benches, chairs and tables. One series is numbered 1-26 and another, 4-17.
Box 3, Folder 5
Garden chairs with and without arms
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 21 items. All mounts have printed inscription: Gebr. Thonet, Bystritz A.H. and the series number written below
from 14041-14050 (chairs without arms) and 14136-14148 (with arms).
Box 3, Folder 6
Garden tables and benches
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 18 items. All mounts have printed inscription: Gebr. Thonet, Bystritz A.H. and the series number written below
from 14541 and14550 (tables) and 14237-14250 (benches).
Oversize 3**
Room ensembles
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink and watercolor, 1 item. Signed by Steindl. From series 1:20.
Oversize 4**
Room ensembles
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink and watercolor, 4 items. Signed by Steindl. From series 1:20.
Box 3, Folder 7
Room ensembles
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 25 items. Interior views of living room, bedrooms and baby rooms.
Box 3, Folder 8
Room ensembles
Scope and Content Note
Photographs (23) and cyanotypes (2), 25 items. Interior views of living rooms, bedrooms, chapel and baby rooms. 1 photo for
a bedroom with handwritten inscription on verso and dated 12/1920. Some photos have numbers written on sheet designating specific
items.
Box 4, Folder 1
Interior views of public places
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 8 items. 4 views of a restaurant or tea house; 1 view of the Moscow Thonet exhibition spaces filled with furniture;
3 views of an unfurnished interior.
Box 7*, Folder 4
Interior view of a coffee house
Scope and Content Note
Photograph, 1 item. Photo identified by imprint: R. Lechner, Wien.
Box 4, Folder 2
Furniture ensembles
Scope and Content Note
Photographs, 8 items. All photos in style designated as historical (2 in duplicate). Photos consist of chests, tables, chairs
and a view of four sides of a room with furniture.
Box 4, Folder 3
Interior views of Gothic style room, Photographs, 3 items
Series II.
Miscellaneous Original Drawings and Photographs,
ca. 1888-1928
Physical Description:
8 items
Scope and Content Note
This series consists of photographs and original drawings. Photographs include drawings for a trade school and unidentified
photographic portraits, one a group portrait showing Steindl and, possibly, Thonet. The drawings include a design for a garden
and monument, and a groundplan and elevation for a crypt.
Oversize 2**
Design for a garden and monument
Scope and Content Note
Original drawing in watercolor and black ink, 1 item. Signed by Steindl.
Oversize 5**
Ground plan and elevation, possibly for a crypt
Scope and Content Note
Original drawings in black ink, 1 item. Signed by Steindl. from series 1:50.
Box 4, Folder 4
Photographs
Scope and Content Note
6 items. One groundplan and elevation for a trade school (Bypritzky?); 1 view of a town square; interior view with woman cooking;
2 unidentified female portraits; photograph of 4 men (one is Steindl and one is possibly Thonet).
