Eckmann, Otto (1865 - 1902)

Painter, graphic artist and designer. After studying at the schools of applied arts in Hamburg and Nuremberg, he attended the Academy in Munich. Beginning with 1894, he turned his attention increasingly towards the applied arts. In 1897 he started to work at the school of applied arts in Berlin, teaching ornamental painting. He produced woodcuts and made illustrations for books and magazines (Pan, Jugend, Die Woche). In addition to his metal, textile and furniture designs, he also designed interiors. After 1896 he worked as the art director, and as one of the foremost designers, of the School of Tapestry Weaving in Scherrebek. He was the first German artist to discover Japanese art, and he also greatly admired the style of Mediaeval German tapestries. Possessing a familiarity with Scandinavian weaving techniques, and assimilating various influences, he developed the distinctive ’’Scherrebek style”. His tapestry designs reside among the works of the German Jugendstil.