Bertold Löffler

Austrian history and fresco painter, graphic designer and artisan Bertold Löffler initially attended a drawing school in Reichenberg (now Liberec). He then studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule in Wien (Vienna) from 1890-1900, eventually teaching there from 1909-35. He then worked as a freelance illustrator, and contributed to various art journals, notably Meggendorfer Blatter, Ver Sacrum, Der liebe Augustin, Lucifer, and Donauland. He and Michael Powolny founded the Wiener Keramik in 1906 and then joined the Wiener Werkstätten in 1907 after collaborating on the graphics and ceramic tiles for the Café Fledermaus. A founding member of the Austrian Werkbund and a member of the Vienna Künstlerhaus, he became known for his tile and ceramic works as well as for his commercial graphics.

At the outbreak of World War I Löffler was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the reserves, along with three photographers, for the purpose of making nature studies at the Western Front. As a war artist, he designed posters for war exhibitions and war bonds, patriotic picture books, and medals. From 1937 he lectured at the Vienna Women’s Academy. His wife Melitta (1886-1960) was also a craftswoman and textile designer.

A poster for the 1929 Christmas exhibition of the Vienna Artists’ Association, designed by Löffler, shows a garlanded victor. However, there is no further indication of a connection with his 1936 entry Olympic Champion.