Josef Hoffmann was born in 1870 in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He graduated with honours from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna in 1895 where he studied under renowned Austrian architect Otto Wagner. Hoffmann then joined the Vienna Succession along with other leading artists, designers and architects including Moser, Wagner, Joseph Maria Olbrich and Gustav Klimt.
In 1903, Hoffmann and Moser established the Wiener Werkstätte, focusing on producing beautifully designed, everyday products of the highest quality craftsmanship and materials, including furniture, ceramics, silver and fashion. The Wiener Werkstätte became renowned for elegance and innovation and is regarded as a pioneer of modern design.
