Vienna Bronzes are casted figurative sculptures of Viennese origin in the late nineteenth century. Today, mainly realistic animal figurines and erotic bronzes still enjoy great popularity. Even though many models were destroyed during first and second World War, some treasures could be saved. In our Vienna based workshop, we still produce original Bergmann-models and preserve the traditional craftsmanship of Viennese bronzes.

FRANZ BERGMANN

In 1860 Franz Bergmann senior (1838-1894) completed his apprenticeship as a Chiselar at Josef Otts workshop in Vienna. 1884, at the first world exhibition in Paris, he was introduced to the secrets of naturally patinating bronzes, which, back in Vienna, brought wealth and fame upon him. Trained by his father, Franz Xaver Bergmann (1861-1936) inherited the company in 1894.

FRANZ XAVER BERGMANN

Franz Xaver Bergmann is known to be the founder of Viennise bronzes, as under his guidance, the first realistically painted bronzes were created. In 1900 he founded his famous jug-trademarked bronze-foundry and was honored at the second world exhibition in Paris within the same year . Along with the Bergmann-jug, the company also used the NAM GREB. signature, which is highly valued by collectors of erotic bronzes. Not only did Bergmann cooperate with great artists like Bruno Zach, but also did sculptors like Thus and Then, as well as specialized painters exclusively work for him. After the first and during the second World War the company was closed. Later on, his son Robert reopened the foundry and continued business until Karl & Ilse Fuhrmann bought all of the remaining Bergmann-models in 1960.

G.H.& A REIBESTEIN

Until 1918 Reibestein & Co (GAHR WIEN) was the biggest export company for artistic handcrafted goods within the Austrian Empire. Executive managers were Gustav and Franz Koschatko (Grandfather of Ilse Fuhrmann).

GUSTAV KOSCHATKO

After the breaking of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Gustav Koschatko continued business and focused on distributing Viennise bronzes. When the second World War ended, Karl and Ilse Fuhrmann joined her Great Uncle´s company.

KARL FUHRMANN & CO.KG

Karl was taught by Kauba-student Paul Ocenasek. In 1953 he founded his own company and started to produce Viennise bronzes. During the following years he took over most of the Viennese bronze companies with the original models of Bergmann, Kauba, Rinösl, Klar and many more.

ILSE FUHRMANN GMBH

After Karl´s death, Ilse Fuhrmann continued trading until she handed over the business to her Grandaugther Rita Fuhrmann.

NAM GREB.

Since 1.1.2018 Rita Peregi (formely Fuhrmann) and Mag. Harald Tremmel follow the Viennese bronze tradition under the name of Nam Greb. wienerbronzen.OG. Their goal is to preserve this unique craftsmanship and introduce it to future generations.

Piece by piece they restore the original models, in order to make this treasure accessible again.