In 1935 Wagenfeld accepted the position of art director at the United Lausitzer Glass Works in German’s Weisswasser, working there until 1947. Later, in a letter to Walter Gropius, he described this job as the best of his life, saying he’d never enjoyed such total creative freedom. Among his most famous objects created during this period is the stackable Kubus set of storage containers.
a “simple” industrial product has a clarity that is free from the desires and constraints of its creators. —wilhelm wagenfeld
WG 24 table lamps designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld in 1928 and re-editioned by Technolumen. © Technolumen.
Wagenfeld was one of the first German designers to switch from the traditional repertoire of arts and craft (mainly dishes and furniture) to more technically complex devices, giving rise to the famous German tradition of functional design. In 1954 Wilhelm opened his own design practice, and started receiving numerous commissions from leading German firms including Braun, the kitchen supplies giant WMF, and Lufthansa. In 1957 Wagenfeld was awarded the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale, an honor celebrating his life’s work.
Record player designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Braun, 1957. Photo via Getty images.
Lever handle designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld 1966 and re-editioned by izé. © izé. Ize.info
Tragbare radio phono Kombination designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Braun between 1954-55. Photo: courtesy of Wilhelm Wagenfeld Stiftung.
Phonosuper SK55 radio with record player designed by Dieter Rams and Wilhelm Wagenfeld for Braun, 1963. © Pamono. Pamono.com
Glass vase designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld, 1950-s. © Pamono. Pamono.com
Pair of wall lights was designed by Wilhelm Wagenfeld for the Württembergische Metallwaren Fabrik (WMF) in the 1950-s. © Pamono. Pamono.com
The Wilhelm Wagenfeld Haus in Bremen. © Rüdiger Lubricht. Photo: courtesy of Wilhelm Wagenfeld Stiftung.