Leseprobe

26 Through Karl Schmidt’s efforts and network, Dresden became a centre for the artistic and technological rejuvenation of interior design and the decorative arts movement. As a businessman, Schmidt understood the value of participating in the most important exhibitions and, accordingly, recruiting the best artists around. However, the innovations touched not only design aspects, but also the technological aspects of furniture production, such as with the development of blockboard. In addition, Schmidt had the farsighted idea of furnishing special showrooms to present a comprehensive range of interior décor. In these showrooms, and in vividly illustrated catalogues, customers could discover not only furniture but also tableware, soft furnishings and wallpaper. It is, therefore, not surprising that Schmidt – with his high standards for quality – began early on to produce wallpaper and textiles as well. The latter of these endeavours led to the 1923 founding of Dewetex (Deutsche Werkstätten Textilgesellschaft; Figure 3). It is interesting that despite its open-mindedness, its innovative courage and its drive towards a modern style of living, the company still sought balance by offering products tailored to the market. Deutsche Werkstätten was never as avant- garde as the Wiener Werkstätte (founded 1903, dissolved 1932) or as radical in its design ambitions as the Bauhaus (founded 1919, forced to disband in 1933 by Nazi Living roomfurniture Designed by Josef Maria Olbrich 1903 2