Muthesius / Van De Velde — Werkbund theses and antithesis

Analysis of the statements and comparison.

Muthesius’s main idea was the standardization of a German-style. He defends that only through standardization Germany can reach universal significance and acknowledgement it’s good taste in foreign countries. He also believed that a creative approach to what has been already achieved is the most urgent task of the age. He believed that Werkbund, as an association of artists, industrialists, and merchants, must concentrate on creating the preconditions for the export of its industrial arts. He strongly believed that the existence of large-scale business concerns with reliable good taste is a prerequisite of any export which means that old buildings or designs are reliable so that manufacturers show demand for German products.

However, according to Henry Van De Velde, through standardization people attempt to drive into a universally valid form. To use the same style, will begin the era of imitation, and to accept the stylization in design would be to destroy the embryo in the egg. He mentioned that old cultural tastes made foreign countries ahead of Germany. Of course, he believed that quality will not be created out of the spirit of export but it just needs time, gradually, the world will take notice of this quality just like Tiffany glasses, Copenhagen porcelain, or jewelry by Jensen.

Both Muthesius and Van De Velde were developing a strategy to bring German good taste upon the world’s stage. Muthesius, as Colquhoun would reference to his ideas as a machine-like, believes it’s the time to focus on the creative aspect of what was already achieved and prepare for export of the industrial arts. On the other hand, Van De Velde raises concerns about prioritizing standardization before establishing the style and puts talent first in this process. Caring for the quality of talent, he states that quality needs to be established first in a limited circle and only then reaching out to a bigger audience.

I definitely understand each, Muthesius and Van De Velde’s positions. However, as different as they are, I believe the two paths can be combined, whereas it is important to provide secure space for talent to create, there is time to get to the next level of growth.