Karl Heinrich Auböck (1872-1925)
Karl Heinrich Auböck (1872- 1925) was born in Vienna, Austria in 1872. Trained in decorative metalwork and chasing in Vienna, Karl Auböck would later look to develop his skills by traveling and working in England, Sweden, and the United States. His stay in the US would be brief, but during his time there he would become a member of the Quaker community. Upon his return to Vienna, Auböck would marry Elisabet Ritter, a local woman from a Viennese family of goldsmiths. Karl and Elisabet had three children, Elizabeth “Lilly”, Carl II, and Valerie "Valy". In 1912, approximately five years after the birth of his youngest child, Karl Auböck purchased the building at 23 Bernardgasse which to this day houses the Werkstätte Carl Auböck. Auböck’s candelabra work became popular in the early 1900s and he would also explore academic Vienna Bronces (‘Wiener Bronzen’) at the turn of the century as they also became popular collector's items. Bronze forms of animals such as polar bears and elephants would become a Werkstätte specialty. Auböck was also credited with the Restoration of the bronze eagles on obelisks at Schönbrunn Palace and he also contributed to the [chandeliers, repousse, and chasing] in front of the Vienna State Opera. WWI began in 1914 and Karl Auböck was called to serve only to return in 1916 with severe sciatica due to conditions in the war trenches. These injuries along with an economic downturn took their toll on the family business and the Werkstätte was forced to close in 1916. WWI would end in 1918 but the Werkstätte would not open its doors again until 1920. In 1921, the Werkstätte received a revitalizing boost to its business when American retailers purchased goods for their stores and automakers began to commission greyhound forms to use as automobile hood ornaments. This exciting new endeavor would be the last for Karl Heinrich Auböck as he would pass away in 1925 at the age of 53. His widow, Elisabeth and son Carl Auböck II would take over operations at the Werkstätte in 1926.