THE SALZKAMMERGUT KERAMIK HISTORY
History
Artistic pottery production in the Salzkammergut has a long and significant history stretching back thousands of years. The region is renowned for its rich ceramic tradition, which has undergone various high points and phases of development.
GROUP H
Following a period of decline, artistic ceramics in the Salzkammergut experienced a resurgence in the 1940s and 1960s. In 1945, the ceramicist Gudrun Baudisch founded the Hallstatt-Keramik workshop. This was followed in 1968 by the formation of the Gruppe H working group at Gmundner Keramik, a collaboration between several prominent ceramic artists, including Franz Josef Altenburg, who was born in Bad Ischl, and Wolfgang von Wersin. The group was founded with the aim of preserving traditional ceramic techniques whilst exploring new avenues in artistic design. The members created a wide range of ceramic works, from functional everyday objects to unique art pieces. Their influence was formative for contemporary ceramic art in the Salzkammergut and beyond.
WERSIN
Our collection begins with a contemporary reinterpretation of a tableware range by Wolfgang von Wersin, an internationally renowned designer who previously worked for the H Group in Gmunden. With his distinctive designs, Wersin left his mark on the era from the early modernist period through to the mid-20th century. Now we are bringing his unique vision into the present day to fill your table with timeless beauty.
ALTENBURG
Another highlight in our range is the ALTENBURG vase – a reinterpretation of a 1974 design by Franz Josef Altenburg, the great-grandson of Emperor Franz Josef. Until his death in 2021, Mr Altenburg maintained close ties with our manufactory and was a frequent guest at the Gmundner Keramik manufactory. His work was also influenced by the ‘Gruppe H’ collective, which included Gudrun Baudisch-Wittke as well as, at times, Anton Raidel and Wolfgang von Wersin. His design is characterised by a minimalist elegance that nevertheless exudes a strong presence. With ALTENBURG, we take up this design ethos and carefully translate it into the present day. The vase combines historical depth with modern aesthetics, becoming a stylish object that lends character and tranquillity to any room.
