A Timeless Tribute: Vivienne Westwood Designs Limited-Edition Tableware for the MAK
The MAK (Museum of Applied Arts Vienna) has unveiled a breathtaking limited-edition tableware collection perfect for design enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Conceived by Andreas Kronthaler, the creative director and late husband of iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, the collection honors the legacy of both Vivienne Westwood’s visionary designs and the MAK’s commitment to fostering creativity.
The unique pieces were crafted by Gmundner Keramik, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of Austrian craftsmanship.
Celebrating a Legacy of Design
The tableware debuted at the MAK artists’ dinner on December 5, 2024, an event designed to celebrate both the museum’s permanent collection and the unveiling of the exhibition
*PECHE POP: Dagobert Peche and his traces in the present*. The exhibition explores the enduring impact of Dagobert Peche, a pioneering Austrian designer, on contemporary design.
“Artists and designers have always contributed to the planning and design of festivals with designs and ideas. With the MAK artists’ dinner we are continuing the tradition of artists’ festivals, and I am very pleased that Andreas Kronthaler, after the first edition with Jakob Lena Knebl, has been won over to design the second edition of the artists’ tableware with Gmundner ceramics,” says Lillian Hollein, MAK General Director. “I would like to thank you for this extraordinary cooperation and am pleased that a special edition with designs by Vivienne Westwood/ Andreas Kronthaler was made possible.”
This special tableware edition is the second collaboration
between the MAK and Gmundner Keramik, following their successful partnership with Jakob Lena Knebl. Proceeds from the sale of the collection will support the museum’s ongoing programming and exhibitions.
Designs Inspired by History and Nature
The limited-edition collection comprises six different place and dessert plates, each adorned with unique and evocative imagery.
Westwood’s signature designs grace the plates, with motifs ranging from the “pirate arm” and cutlass from the World’s End Boutique in London to a classic Greek vase, a timeless symbol of Western artistic heritage.
The “pirate arm” and the cutlass serve as a wink to the ‘plundering’ of historical ideas for creative inspiration, highlighting
Westwood’s own exploration and reinvention of historical aesthetics in her work. The Greek vase, with
its rich history and symbolism, represents the inexhaustible
inspiration that can be found in ancient civilizations.
Alongside these iconic imagery, other plates feature the words “ACTIVE,” “RESIST,” “CULTURE,” and “FUTURE.” These powerful words are accompanied by hand-drawn illustrations that
emplace a call to action, urging viewers to protect the ocean and rainforest, the “blue and green lungs of our earth.” Overall signifies the collection’s dedication to both artistic expression and environmental awareness.
“Save the Ocean” and “Save the Rainforest” serve as a potent reminder of the crucial need to preserve these vital ecosystems.
Kronthaler, deeply connected to the creative spirit of his late wife, curated this collection with a powerful sense of purpose.
He expressed, “I am very happy to contribute to this important event in my home country of Austria.”
A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Alexander Köck, authorized representative of the Gmundner Keramik Manufaktur, echoed the spirit of this blend of artistry and environmental consciousness.
“This cooperation combines our centuries-old craftsmanship and Austrian cultural heritage with the visionary design world of Vivienne Westwood,” he remarked.
“We are proud to bring tradition and modernity together in a unique form with this special edition,” added Köck.
“The only place to find ideas is by looking at what people did in the past. It’s the way you can be original,” Vivienne Westwood once said, a statement that resonates deeply with both the spirit of this special collection and the enduring legacy of Gmundner Keramik.
Available Now
The exclusive *MAK × Gmundner Ceramics × Vivienne Westwood* collection is available for 1,200 euro at the MAK Design Shop and online at MAKdesignshop.at.
Press photos ready for download at MAK.at/presse
* How does this tableware collection pay tribute to Vivienne Westwood’s legacy as both a designer and activist?
## A Timeless Tribute: Vivienne Westwood Tableware for the MAK
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show! Today we’re discussing an exciting new tableware collection launched by the Museum of Applied Arts Vienna, or the MAK. Joining me is Alex Reed, a design expert and connoisseur of Vivienne Westwood’s work. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** It’s a pleasure to be here! This collaboration is truly something special.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. It seems the MAK has teamed up with Andreas Kronthaler, Vivienne Westwood’s long-time partner and creative director, to create a limited-edition tableware collection. Can you tell us a bit about this project?
**Alex Reed:** This collection is a wonderful tribute to Vivienne Westwood’s legacy.
Andreas Kronthaler carefully selected designs inspired by Westwood’s iconic work, incorporating them into beautiful and functional tableware pieces.
This project actually debuted at the MAK artists’ dinner, an event celebrating the museum’s permanent collection and a new exhibition exploring the influence of Austrian designer Dagobert Peche [[1](https://www.farfetch.com/au/shopping/women/designer-vivienne-westwood/tableware-1/items.aspx)].
It’s a fitting context for this collection, given Westwood’s own history of reinterpreting and challenging design conventions.
**Interviewer:** What can people expect to see in this collection?
**Alex Reed:** Each piece is truly unique, featuring six different place and dessert plates adorned with Westwood’s signature motifs.
You have the “pirate arm” and cutlass, a nod to Westwood’s iconic World’s End Boutique in London [[1](https://www.farfetch.com/au/shopping/women/designer-vivienne-westwood/tableware-1/items.aspx)], and a classic Greek vase, symbolizing the enduring power of ancient art and inspiration.
There are also plates featuring words like “ACTIVE”, “RESIST”, and “CULTURE” which highlight Westwood’s strong beliefs and activism. It’s a truly impactful and thought-provoking collection.
**Interviewer:**
This collaboration sounds remarkable. What makes it so special, and why are you excited about it?
**Alex Reed:** This project goes beyond just beautiful tableware. It’s a celebration of Vivienne Westwood’s enduring legacy as a visionary designer and activist. The MAK’s commitment to fostering creativity and showcasing the work of influential artists is incredibly admirable.
Perhaps most importantly, proceeds from the sale of this collection will support the museum’s ongoing activities and exhibitions, ensuring continued access to art and design for everyone.
**Interviewer:** Fantastic! It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for design enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of art history while supporting a worthy cause. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed**: My pleasure!
