Robert A. Wettstein Art and Design
Robert A. Wettstein Art and Design

About & Contact

Atelier’s Robert Wettstein
Josefstrasse 188, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
E-mail: robert(at)wettstein.ws

Biography Robert Wettstein

Sometimes I also call myself Robert A. Wettstein or Robert Adrian Wettstein to avoid confusion with other Wettstein’s.

I live and work in Zurich, Switzerland. My studio is in the centre of the city, near a green park. I work in the fields of product design, lighting design and furniture. My work therefore relates to space and includes many artistic techniques such as photography and painting. I work as a lecturer and mentor at the Zurich University of the Arts. My mother tongue is Swiss German.
I have chosen a very manual profession. The profession of orthopaedic technician is based in the medical sector and produces aids that are often individually customised and made to measure. This knowledge can therefore also be transferred to everyday objects and used for the manufacture of chairs or objects. The first chair models were made from found structural steel as early as 1985. I already had my first contacts with Rainer Krause and his company Anthologie Quartett at that time.
This hobby turned into a passion that continues to this day. I am also still interested in sustainable materials today. Fortunately, I was able to pursue both in parallel in my business.

As a collector I run a small mono thematic museum about the legendary Landi chair at the same location. Landistuhlmuseum Zurich a visit is possible by appointment.

  • Member of the Board: Design Biennale, Zurich.
  • Member of the Board:Netzwerk Design Geschichte, Zurich.
  • 2024 foundation of the independent designers group CRAFT iD, Zürich.

This site contains Robert Wettstein’s design and art portfolio. It features self-initiated projects and commercial projects. 

Robert A. Wettstein, born Zurich, 1960

  • Trained in orthopaedic technology.
  • Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) Design,Art & Inovation, 2009, Basel FHNW.
  • Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), “Material and art techniques” 2018, Zürich ZHdK / SIK (Schweizerische Institut für Kunstwissenschaft)
  • Own practice and workshop since 1985. Structure Design established 1986.
  • “Studio Robert A. Wettstein” “Atelier’s Robert Wettstein” and “Structure Design” are his own trademarks.
  • 2002 – 2025 lecturer for ideation / design thinking at Zurich University of the Arts, ZHdK Industrial Design.
  • Lecturer at CAS Atmospheric Design, ZHdK.
  • 2024, Lecturer in design history and sustainability at the Haus der Farbe, Zurich
  • Past: Interior Design Development Programme IKEA & ZHdK. Fachrichtung Trends & Identity, ZHdK.

Publication of Robert Wettstein:

  • “Gefühltes Design” (2009) the ideation method of “fact finding” is described in detail.
  • “Der Landistuhl im Detail” an analysis of the iconic Landi chair.

Selection of exhibitions and events:

2024:

  • 2024: Group exhibition ‘Home Sweet Home – Bird House Exhibition’ curated by Connie Hüsser (Objects with Love) at the Vitra Haus in Weil am Rhein, Germany.
  • Galerie Romain Morandi, Paris “Breaking the wall : le design d’avant-garde allemand des années 80”.
  • Exhibition PAPIER at Atelier Zurich, Retrospective of thirty years of papier furniture. Reappraisal of personal design history.
  • Foundation of the independent designers group Craft iD with exhibition at Headsquarter Zürich. The independent group consists of Natascha Madeiski, Rene Odermatt & Robert Wettstein.
  • Galerie Rudolf Rock, “Bicolor”, Zürich. Grop show. Replicas of classic chairs made from used red and white construction site wood.

2023:

  • 2023: Participants of the curated group exhibition “Perfectly Imperfect” Gewerbemuseum, Winterthur, Switzerland.
  • Curated group exhibition durin Zurich Design Weeks 23 “The office”, Zürich.
  • Studio exhibition ‘NOT AS FOUND’ at Atelier Zürich durin Zurich Design Weeks Presentation of new works based on found objects.

2022:

  • 2022: “Design without borders” group show at Kiscell Museum Budapest. Curated by Szilvia Szigeti.
  • Part of the group show “RAW SENSES” at Zürich Design Weeks. Curated by Heinz Caflisch, Fabio Hendry.
  • “Design Galerie im Museum” group show at Gewerbemuseum Winterthur. Curated by Mario Pelini.
  • Second Nature Galery, COUNTER VIEWS group show, St. Moritz.
  • Exhibition “Paper on Skin” Tasmania, Australia.
  • Video “Paper on Skin” Tasmania, Australia. Vimeo: Video Gala 2022
  • SALA VIAGGIATORI, Grop show. Curated by Luciano Fasciati / Heinz Caflisch.

2021:

  • 2021: „Inspired by Switzerland“ Participation with a wooden cutlery at Decorative Art Museum Moscow, curated by Gabriela Chicherio.
  • May 2021, a 30 year old pilot chair is one of the first vintage chairs minted as NFT.

2020:

  • 2020: Vienna Design Week in cooperation with OKRO & Pro Helvetia.
  • DESIGN DAYS LAUSANNE, „Inspired by Switzerland“ at Viceversa Galerie curated by Gabriela Chicherio.

2019:

  • 2019: „Rebellische Pracht – Design-Punk statt Bauhaus“ Museum Marta Herford. Cooperation with the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden – Archiv der Avantgarden.
  • OKRO Gallery, Chur. Part of the group show “Lieblinge”

2018:

  • 2018: “Kunst: Szene Zürich 2018” Artspace Shedhalle, Rote Fabrik. Project Semaphore Help. The word HELP is shown as a semaphore in lamp form. Like the BEATLES showed it on the cover.
  • Armory Artweek, New York at Artbox Project. Participation with: Cloud lamp.

2017:

  • 2017: Kunst(Zeug)Haus, Rapperswil. “Cottidiana-Perspektiven des Alltäglichen”. Participation with: Pilot Chair.”
  • 20 YEARS SALONESATELLITE. Planets and Stars of new creativity” at Fabbrica del Vapore Milan from April 4th 2017. * Participation with: Bastian Easychair.

2016:

  • “Venice Design 2016* Palazzo Michiel, Global Art Affairs Foundation. Participation with: Summerfiber Easy Chair.

2012:

  • 2012: Take a Seat. Espresso, “Z am Park” Caffe Zurich. Red Bull, Campari Soda and Red Wine Chair, Curated by Fabrice Aeberhard and Christian Kägi. With Auction.

2013:

  • 2013: Artgenève 13, Salon international d’art, Geneva at Galerie Lullin+Ferrari.
  • „THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT“ at Helmrinderknecht contemporary design gallery. Curated by Martin Rinderknecht.
  • Designers Design at „Neue Räume 13“ Curated by Stefan Zwicky Architekt SIA/BSA.

2011:

  • 2011: “Möbliert” Solo Show at Galerie am Hirschengraben.
  • Catch of the Year 3, at Artspace Dienstgebäude, Zürich. Curated by Andreas Marti.

2010:

  • 2010  „L’eco delle Vanità“ Plusdesign Gallery Milan, Italy,
  • “13,798 grams of design“ curated by Maria Cristina Didero e Susanna Legrenzi * Lambrate Artproject Millan, Italy;
  • „Sostenibilita a tutto Vapore“ at Fabbrica del Vapore Milan, Italy curated by Ottagono Magazine*;
  • Catch of the Year 2, Dienstgebäude, Artspace Zürich. Curated by Andreas Marti.

2009:

  • 2009: „Springline“ Plusdesign Gallery Milan, Italy;
  • Kunstzeughaus Rapperswil, Switzerland. Peter und Elisabeth Bosshard Collection.
  • „Shaping the New Century“ European Design Since 1985, Indianapolis Museum of Art Indianapolis, USA*. Curated by Craig Miller.

2006:

  • 2006: Art Basel Furniture Partner Gallery Massimo DeCarlo Milano.
  • Interieur 2006 Kortrijke Belgium „Guest of the Guest“ at the Alfredo Häberli’s solo exhibition;
  • Interieur 2006 Design for Europe,Kortrijke Belgium.

2005:

  • Pilot white chair, with encapsulated smell of clean underwear designed by Sissel Tolaas. Idea and concept Franziska Kessler. Presented at the Art Basel fair, 2005, Galerie Mark Müller, Zurich. Paper „Phoenixmotion“ by Scheufelen
  • Parfum „clean underware“ Sissel Tolaas by IFF re_searchLab Berlin

2004:

  • 2004: Design Miami/Basel Galerie Peter C Neumann;
  • „Avverati, a dream come True“ curated by Beppe Finessi, Cosmit Milan, Italy*
  • „Cris Cros“ Swiss Design Gewerbemuseum Winterthur, Switzerland. Curated by Köbi Gantenbein / Ariana Pradal / Roland Eberle.
  • „Design-Ikonen des 20. Jahrhunderts“ Sottsas und die Folgen…Kunstkreis Hameln, Germany. Grop show.
  • „Beutelbau“ Backsteinprojekt Lüneburg: public space project , Lüneburg, Germany.

2003:

  • 2003: „Deutschlandreise international“ Köln, Germany;
  • „Welness-Design“ Vitra-Workshop Domaine de Boisbuchet, France.
  • „Swiss Design – traditionaly progresive“ at Totem Gallery, New York, USA;  „Swiss Design – traditionaly progresive“ 5. Biennale for Architekture Sao Paolo, Brazil. Organizer: Swiss Peaks Festival / Presence Switzerland. Curators: Köbi Gantenbein, Ariana Pradal, Peter Vetter, Roland Eberle

2001

  • 2001: „Download Remix“ by Alfredo Häberli*, Ambiente Frankfurt a.M. Germany
  • „Transparente“ Salonesatellite Milano, Italy;
  • Galerie „Einzigart“ Zürich. Single exhibition;
  • „Puls“ selected Swiss Designers at „neue Räume 01“

2000:

  • 2000 „Europalette“ Swiss Center Milan, Italy;
  • „change.to/comfort“ Salonesatellite Milano,
  • Projekt; „Design for Europe“ Biennale Interieur 2000 Kortrijk, Belgium*.
  • 1999: „Black Schwarz“ Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • 1998: „Der Hang zum Mini“ miniature Furniture edition Mus‘ign Bad Essen, Germany;
  • Köln, Hallmackenreuter “Design Passagen”
  • 1997: „Dea“ Design Europeo Anteprima, Groop show, Spazo Zeus Milan, Italy*.
  • 1996: „Design im Wandel“ curated by Alessandro Mendini, Ueberseemuseum Bremen, Germany *
  • 1995: „Kindsize“ Furniture for children. Exhibition of Messe Frankfurt, Curated by Rainer Krause, Germany,*
  • Kunstszene 95/96 Zürich. Inventar 1 & 2.*
  • 1994  „Polstermöbel und Schaukelleuchten“ Mus’ign, Design Museum* Single exhibition, Bad Essen, Germany.
  • 1993:  „The minimal animal interior“  Galerie Dilmos Milano, Italy. Single exhibition. Robert transformed the entire basement of the gallery into a world of paper.
  • „Design Preis Schweiz“ Kunstmuseum Solothurn, Switzerland.*
  • 1992: „Transmöbel 5“ FS Coaches at Porta Genova, Milan, Italy. The curator Ernst Hunzinger has rented empty freight wagons at the Porta Genova train station and invited designers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to show their current work. Second edition
  • „Kreaturen“ Galerie Papenheim Zurich,Switzerland, Single exhibition. 
  • „Design in Europa“ Kunst und Museumskreis Bad Essen, Germany.
  • 1991: „Nomadi“ Grop show. FS Coaches at Porta Genova, Milan, Italy. The curator Ernst Hunzinger has rented empty freight wagons at the Porta Genova train station and invited designers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to show their current work. First edition.
  • „Mehrwerte – Schweiz und Design: die 80er“ Museum für Gestaltung Zürich, Switzerland. Curated by Alois Martin Müller.
  • 1990:  „Geordnete Arbeiten“ Galerie Hiltrud Jordan Köln,Germany. Single exhibition.
  • „Oggetti Inattesi“ Studio Scalise, Neapel. Italy. Single exhibition.
  • 1988: „Café Diesel“ Installation at Area Ansaldo Milan, Italy. DEA Anteprima Europeo Design. Initiated by Zeus: Nicoletta Baucia, Maurizio Peregalli. Together with, Neotu, France; One Off, England; Disform, Spain and Anthologie Quartett, Germany.
  • 1986:  „Wohnen von Sinnen“ Kunstmuseum Düsseldorf, Germany*; Curated by Wolfgang Scheper, Claudia Schneider Esleben.
  • „Erkundungen“ International Design-Congress and Exhibition, Stuttgart, Germany*.
  • 1985: „Barockoko der Hang zum Gesammtkunstgewerbe at Galerie Möbel Perdu, Hamburg, Germany. Curated by Claudia Schneider Esleben.

*with catalogue

Museum purchase:

  • The clothstand „Herz“, the lamp „Spunk“ and the chair „Echo“ purchased by the Art Museum Düsseldorf 1987.
  • The egg cup „twinset“ purchased by the Musee d.Arts Decoratifs Lausanne 1999, Museum für Gestaltung Zürich.
  • 2005 Co-Pilot Paperchair purchased by Robert Wilsons Watermill Collection New York.
  • 2007 „Tristan“ Chaiselongue & „Pilot“ Chair at Peter und Elisabeth Bosshard, Swiss Contemorary Art Collection, Kunstzeughaus;
  • 2022 Statliche Kunstsammlung Dresten “Pilot Chair” Museum der Avantgarden.
  • 2009 „Herz“ and „Tristan“ Indianapolis Museum of Art, Design Collection. 
  • Some early works “Flügler” Chair and “ER” Clothstand are now in the Archiv der Avantgarden (AdA) Dredsen, Germany. Collection Egidio Marzona.
  • 2020 Archiv der Avantgarden, Dresden, Germany, Paper Chair “Pilot” Collection Egidio Marzona.
  • 2024 Purchase an early ‘Co-Pilot’ chairs by Rolf Fehlbaum, Vitra Museum Weil am Rhein, Germany.

Publications:

  • “Gefühlscollagen, Wohnen von Sinnen”, Kunstmuseum Düsseldorf, DuMont Verlag 1986.
  • Kunstforum Band 82, 1986;
  • Wind (Japan);
  • International Design Yearbook 9 /1994 by Ron Arad;
  • Sourcebook of modern furniture‎ by Jerryll Habegger, Joseph H. Osman, W. W. Norton & Company 2005;
  • International Design Yearbook 11/ 1996 by Alessandro Mendini;
  • Kunstszene 95/96 Zürich. Inventar 1 & 2 Kunstszene Zürich, Markus Weiss, Textband, 1996.
  • 1000 Chairs, Peter & Carlotte Fiell, Taschen 1997;
  • Designing the 21st Century by Peter & Charlotte Fiell, Taschen 2001;
  • International Design Yearbook 17 by Ross Lovegrove 2002 ;
  • „More Paperwork“ by Nancy Williams, Phaidon 2005;
  • Mobili italiani contemporanei /Contemporary Italian furniture, Cristina Morozzi, Silvio San Pietro, Edizioni L’archivolto Milan 1996;
  • “kid size”, The Material World of Childhood, Vitra Museum Hatje Cantz 1997;
  • „The eco-design handbook“ by Alastair Fuad-Luke, Thames & Hudson 2002;
  • ecoDesign: The Sourcebook, Alastair Fuad-Luke  Chronicle Books 2006;
  • Designmai 03 Berlin;
  • “Design Encyclopedia” The Museum of Modern Art by Mel Byars 2004;
  • European Design Since 1985: Shaping the New Century by Craig Miller, Merrell 2009;
  • Eco & co, Editrice Compositori 2010.
  • Blackbox Publikation Zürich: “WIE MACHE MALE BAUE SCHREIBE GESTALTE ICH ?” 2013.
  • 2016 Time Space Existence. European Cultural Center. “Venice Design 2016” Editor Global Art Affairs Foundation.

Anthologie Quartett

Robert Wettstein owes a large part of his success to Rainer Krause and the company Anthologie Quartett. Rainer Krause was a design scout even before the Internet. He had a large network in Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

Rainer Krause (born 04.Sept.1952) is the founder of Anthologie Quartett, a renowned design brand in Germany. He founded the company in Hanover in 1983 with three friends. They were György Meszaros and Mrs and Mr Bernd Berger. Hence the name Anthologie Quartett.
Rainer Krause was a passionate collector and patron of avant-garde designers. He was known for his love of modern design and his endeavours to present exclusive and innovative design objects. He was the curator and advisor of numerous exhibitions of contemporary design. He wrote about German avant-garde design for the Italian home magazine Casa Vogue. After his death in 2013, Anthologie Quartett will be continued by Michael von Jakubowski and Michael Gärtner.

Parts of the AQ archive are acquired by Egidio Marzona. Marzona is an art collector and patron. He later donated part of his archive to the “Archiv der Avantgarden” (AdA), Dresden State Art Collections. The archive contains more than 1.5 million objects, including documents, letters, photos, sketches and works of art from the avant-garde movements of the 20th century. The Dresden Archiv der Avantgarden therefore also hold works by Robert Wettstein.

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