5 works by Marianne Brandt from

Contents:

• MT 49 Teapot: Description and Features
• Metal Tea Set
• Ceiling Lamp
• Kandem Table Lamp: The Perfect Accent for Your Bedside Table
• Photo Collages

Marianne Brandt, née Liebe, was born on 1 Marianne Brandt was born in Chemnitz, Germany, on October 1893. From an early age, she was fascinated by painting, first studying at a private art school and then continuing her education at the Art College in Weimar. Over time, her interests broadened, and she developed a passion for photography.

In 1923, Marianne began her studies at the Bauhaus, enrolling in a preparatory course taught by Josef Albers and László Moholy-Nagy. The works she presented during the course made a significant impression on Moholy-Nagy, who invited her to continue her studies in the metalworking workshop. This was a unique decision, as women at the Bauhaus were typically assigned only to weaving or decorative workshops. Brandt thus became the first and only woman to receive a diploma in the school's metalworking workshop. In 1928, she even took over from Moholy-Nagy as the head of the studio.

In 1929, Marianne Brandt left the Bauhaus and moved to Berlin, where she began working in a studio owned by Walter Gropius. She soon took over as head of the design department at the Ruppel Metal Goods factory in Gotha, but lost her job in 1932 as a result of the protracted Great Depression. In the 1950s, Brandt taught at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts and the Berlin Academy of Applied Arts. She spent the following years of her life in East Germany.

Read also:

Five iconic architectural projects by Walter Gropius.

Brandt became famous for her achievements in industrial design, among which are unique metal services, lighting and collages. Her creations are distinguished by their practicality and minimalist approach, where form follows function and modern materials are used in their creation. Let's take a closer look at some of Marianne's projects.

MT 49 Teapot: Description and Features

This is probably one of the most famous projects designed by Marianne Brandt. In 1924, when she was just starting out in the Bauhaus metalworking workshop, she managed to create a prototype of the teapot.

The first thing that catches the eye is the teapot's unusual shape: its hemispherical body sits on a cross-shaped stand, and the lid, equipped with a button-shaped wooden handle, is asymmetrically offset toward the edge. Made of nickel-plated brass, the teapot has a semicircular handle crafted from ebony. This combination of materials is not only visually attractive, but also comfortable - ebony eliminates the risk of burning your hand.

Metal service

In the 1920s, Brandt developed a number of tableware, inspired by the shapes of the MT 49 teapot and experimenting with various stylistic solutions. These creative searches resulted in unique sets made of nickel-plated silver and ebony, including a variety of teapots, tea sets, a milk jug, a sugar bowl, and a tray.

Ceiling Light

The chandelier is shaped like a frosted glass hemisphere and features a lampshade made of aluminum alloy. The structure is mounted on a long chrome rod. Although the materials used are quite simple and there is a minimum number of details, thanks to the carefully thought-out shape, the lamp looks stylish and sophisticated.

Kandem Table Lamp: The Perfect Accent for Your Bedside

The lamp, known as Marianne, was developed in collaboration with the German industrial designer Hin Bredendiek. Serial production of this model began in the 1930s under the Kandem brand (Körting & Mathiesen), and as a result, approximately 70,000 units were sold in various design variations.

At the time, this lamp represented an innovation. Its body and base are made of lacquered steel. The movable lampshade mount allows you to change the angle of light incidence, which again combines both aesthetic appeal and practical application.

Photo Collages

A less obvious, but no less significant aspect of Marianne Brandt's work are her photo collages. In her works, she combined newspaper and magazine clippings, photographs, ink, and sometimes incorporated glass and metal elements into the compositions. In her collages, Brandt often focused on images of women.

If you are interested in the world of design, be sure to check out our Telegram channel. You will find a lot of fascinating information there! Subscribe!

Read also:

• Constructivism in Design: Examples and Illustrations

  Constructivism as an artistic movement emerged in the early 20th century and had a significant influence on many fields, including architecture, graphics, and industrial products. It emphasizes functionality and simplicity of form, while beauty is achieved through the rational use of materials and technology.

  One of the most famous examples of constructivism is the All-Russian Exhibition Center building in Moscow, which expresses the principles of geometric forms and open spaces. Here, one can see how constructivists used the latest construction technologies to create functional and aesthetically pleasing objects.

  In addition to architecture, constructivism found its reflection in graphic design. The works of artists such as Alexander Rodchenko and Varvara Stepanova demonstrate the use of bright typography, geometric elements, and asymmetrical arrangement. Their posters and advertising materials were bold and original, which helped them stand out from the traditional design scene.

  Industrial design was also not left out. Constructivists sought to create objects that not only fulfilled their function but were also affordable for mass production. This is exemplified by the work of such masters as Andrei Melnikov, who designed furniture and household items that reflected the spirit of the times and innovation.

  Thus, Constructivism in design manifests itself in a variety of forms and fields, from architecture to graphics and industrial products, emphasizing the importance of functionality, simplicity and innovation.

• Bauhaus and VKHUTEMAS: Chronicles of Design in the 1920s and 1930s

  The first decades of the 20th century witnessed significant changes in the world of design, driven by social, political and cultural changes. In this context, two important educational institutions are worth paying special attention to: the Bauhaus in Germany and VKHUTEMAS in the Soviet Union.

  The Bauhaus, founded in 1919, sought to combine art and industrial production. Its approach was to create functional and aesthetically pleasing objects that could be accessed by a wide audience. This educational institution became a symbol of modernism and influenced architecture, graphic design, and industrial design, introducing new ideas about form and material.

  On the other hand, VKHUTEMAS, founded in 1920 in Russia, also played a key role in the development of design. It focused on the creation of utilitarian products that met the needs of the new society. Unlike the Bauhaus, VKHUTEMAS emphasized socialist ideals, striving to integrate art with people's work and lives.

  Both institutions, despite differences in approach and context, made significant contributions to the formation of new directions in design, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary art and architecture. The works created during this period demonstrate a desire for experimentation and the search for new forms, reflecting the spirit of the times and changing living conditions.

• The Story of One Lamp: Anglepoise.
• El Lissitzky: Creator of a New Space.
• Bauhaus is not just an architectural movement, but an entire philosophy that has had a significant influence on design and art. In Russia, the ideas and principles of this movement were reflected in various forms and projects. Although there is no direct analogue of the Bauhaus in the country, its concepts were adopted and adapted by local artists.

  In the 1920s, when revolutionary changes were taking place in Russia, architects and artists began experimenting with new forms and materials, which echoed the approaches of the Bauhaus. This period saw the emergence of such important projects as the Palace of Labor in Moscow and residential complexes in the Constructivist style, which followed the principles of functionality and simplicity.

  Over time, the influence of the Bauhaus continued to be felt in Russian design, particularly in the fields of graphics and industrial design. Masters inspired by this philosophy sought to create practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions, which became the basis for many modern trends in art and architecture.

  Thus, although there is no direct expression of the Bauhaus in Russia, its ideas live and develop, finding their place in creative practices and architectural projects, which testifies to how international trends can enrich local cultures.