The life of Walter Bosse, born in Vienna on 13th November 1904, was
already
mapped out from the beginning, his parents having been academic painters.
His father, Julius, was
working over a long period as a portrait painter at the Zarist court in St. Petersburg.
He and his sister had early on discovered the fascination of forming.
First they created figures from wax. After the WWI, Walter Bosse
was
sent to the Imperial Art School of the Museum of Art in Vienna. His first
ornamentation teacher was Franz Cizek. He studied the subject of Ceramics
with Professor Michael Powolny and then for another academic year with
Professor Richard Riemerschmid, at the School of Applied Arts in Munich.
His biggest supporter, however, was Josef Hoffmann, who recognized
Bosse’s
talent and did his utmost to further his career.
His first international appearance was provided by the 1925 Paris
Exhibition of Decorative Arts. Amongst others, he devoted his creativity
to working for the Augarten manufactory.
Bosse was restless in searching for new materials. Finally, he found
satisfaction in brass. Early ceramic models were used for brass castings.
At times far more than 20 casters and chasers were employed in Vienna,
international trade fairs were attended and there is evidence that
already then products were exported to 108 countries and colonies.
After WWII Bosse found Herta Baller who became his supporter in business
and his beloved in life. With them, the "black-golden" line reached
it’s peak.
Due to massive economic and private problems Bosse moved to
Iserlohn/Germany in the early 50s. The production in Vienna continued,
under Herta Baller's management. After her death, Baron Hans von
Waldstaetten took over.
Since the end of the 20th century the production of "Modern Vienna
Bronzes" is located in a small, sleepy village near the
Austrian-Hungarian border. Walter Bosses's legacy is carried on and
upheld in the form of a micro-enterprise but with the same long-standing
know-how and in the accustomed high quality.
