Otto Blumel

Born in Augsburg, Otto Blümel (1881-1973) studied architecture at the Technical University of Munich before pursuing painting. From 1907 to 1914, he served as design department director at the United Workshops for Art in Craftsmanship in Munich. His work emphasized craftsmanship, reimaged everyday spaces, and showcased functionality. Among his notable creations is the Nymphenburg coat rack, which remains highly regarded today. In 1909, Blümel met the writer Hermann Hesse and subsequently designed several book covers for him.