Adolf Loos (1870-1933)

In 1898 Adolf Loos designed these bentwood chairs made by J & J. Kohn for the Café Museum.
© Christies London, Important 20th Century Decorative Arts,
16th May 01'

"Art is something that has to be overcome"; this quotation characterises the architect's work and also distances him from the doctrine preached by Josef Hoffmann.

The tale is told that Adolf Loos was given some of his commissions to reduce his tailors' bills. Among his best-known buildings are the gentlemen's outfitters Goldman & Salatsch (1898-1903), the present day "Loos Bar" (Kärntner or American Bar, 1909) and the house at Michaelaplatz (1909-11).

Loos also designed the furnishings of the Cafe Museum (1899), described by critics as "Cafe Nihilism", bentwood chairs and bentwood marble-topped tables, made by "Jakob & Josef Kohn".