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The Emilie Flöge Textile Pattern Collection

Approximately 350 objects in the textile and clothing collection at the Volkskundemuseum Wien (Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art) come from the estate of Emilie Flöge (1874–1952), fashion designer and partner of Gustav Klimt (1862–1918). In keeping with the tastes of the turn of the century, Flöge collected examples of folk textile art, which she also used as a source of inspiration and material in her fashion salon. The Volkskundemuseum Wien’s collection consists, on the one hand, of pieces of fabric with embroidery in bright colors or in black and white, primarily from Western Slovakia and Moravian Slovakia, and, on the other hand, of lace—mainly bobbin lace— white embroidery, and tulle embroidery, as used in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the clothing of all social classes, depending on their financial circumstances. The collection also includes several headdresses and a few other complete garments. In addition, the Museum of Folk Art houses a few Art Nouveau objects that were presumably used by Emilie Flöge herself.

Capturing the Velvet Revolution: Photographs from Bratislava and Prague, 1989

When people took to the streets in the former Czechoslovakia in the fall of 1989 to express their dissatisfaction with the ruling totalitarian system, a few courageous individuals used their cameras to document this historic moment. 161 of these photographs—now part of the Volkskundemuseum Wien's (Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art) photo collection—depict demonstrations, banners, and posters from the “Velvet Revolution.” They are far more than mere historical records: even decades later, they vividly bring back the atmosphere of those weeks.

Porcelain Beer Mug Lid Medallions – A Reflection of Conviviality

Until the early 20th century, beer mugs with porcelain lids were an integral part of tavern culture. Starting in the second half of the 19th century, beer mugs made of colorless glass with pewter mounts came into fashion; their round porcelain inserts—so-called medallions—offered space for personal motifs. These miniatures, decorated with landscapes, hunting scenes, or humorous depictions, were not only decorative but also status symbols. They reflected the preferences, profession, and social status of their owners. The motifs ranged from Alpine landscapes and guild symbols to erotic or satirical scenes, offering insights into the desires and humor of the male regulars of the time. Some of these motifs are problematic because they contain racist or sexist depictions. Such content is appropriately marked with a disclaimer. The collection of the Volkskundemuseum Wien (Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art) comprises 969 porcelain medallions and two glass ones that were in use in the period before World War I. Today, it offers a unique insight into the culture of beer drinking and the imagination of the 19th century.

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The Emilie Flöge Textile Pattern Collection

Capturing the Velvet Revolution: Photographs from Bratislava and Prague, 1989

Porcelain Beer Mug Lid Medallions – A Reflection of Conviviality

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