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Finding aid for the Otto Wagner correspondence, 1885-1917
870399
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Title: Otto Wagner correspondence
Date (inclusive): 1885-1917
Number: 870399
Creator/Collector:
Wagner, Otto, 1841-1918
Physical Description:
130.0 items
Repository:
The Getty Research Institute
Special Collections
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100
Los Angeles, California, 90049-1688
(310) 440-7390
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
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
Open for use by qualified researchers. Many of the letters have typescript copies.
Contact
Library Rights and Reproductions .
Otto Wagner Correspondence, 1885-1917, Getty Research Institute, Research Library, Accession no. 870399.
http://hdl.handle.net/10020/cifa870399
Acquired in 1987.
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.
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