This exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of Eilfriede Berbalk, a pioneering goldsmith who navigated significant societal and cultural shifts throughout her career from the early 20th century to the 1980s. It highlights her work as a silversmith, goldsmith, teacher, and mentor.
Marking 100 years since the birth of Eilfriede Berbalk, this exhibition delves into the life and work of a significant female figure in the traditionally male-dominated field of gold and silversmithing. Berbalk's journey extended across two World Wars and into the 1980s, during which time she established herself as a skilled goldsmith, silversmith, and influential educator. The exhibition is set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Vienna, a period of immense industrial, societal, and artistic transformation, exploring how new ideas in design and the evolving role of women shaped the craft.
Berbalk's career reflects the broader changes in society, including emancipation and the entry of women into new professional fields. Her commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and affordable design, a characteristic of the Wiener Werkstätten, is evident in her enduring legacy. As a teacher and trainer, she significantly influenced many aspiring goldsmiths, leaving a lasting impact on the discipline.