Hoffmann Josef

Biography

Josef Hoffman had a love of geometrical forms which brought a mathematical angle to his designs, this transformed furniture as we know it. His designs were inspired by Art-deco and the Modernist movement, his ornamental detailing and geometric shapes are still recreated by designers today.

Born in 1870 in Pirnitz, Moravia he studied architecture at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, there he was schooled by Otto Wagner - It was Wagner that introduced Hoffmann to functional, modern design theories. Upon graduating, Hoffmann won the Rome Prize and a year later joined Wagner's office in 1896, he started his own office three years later.

In 1903 Hoffman co-founded the Vienna Secession which was a community of artists and architects committed to making architecture, art and textiles that were accessible for everyone. The Successions aim was to produce abstract and functional design which was very different to the conservative and historical influences of the time.