The Modernism movement was a break from the past, a rejection of historical precedents, and an embrace of the present and future. Suddenly, everything was designed inspired by the machine, rather than nature. Materials such as glass, steel, and concrete were more common and mass production was embraced. Functionalism took precedent over ornamentation during this era. The Bauhaus school in Germany began during this movement. It was founded by Walter Gropius, who became somewhat of a founding father for modernism. Bauhaus was fairly egalitarian, and at its core was all about unity of the arts. Not only does this name belong to the school, but it also defines a movement and a style. Besides Walter Gropius, the modernist movement had many other influential leaders such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Frank Lloyd ...
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As many of the movements around this time, Protomodernisn began from a discontentment with the Victorian era. The main countries that this movement took place in were Germany and Austria. It was similar to Art Nouveau in the way that it was inspired by nature and had no historical precedent, but differed because Protomodernism was more linear. Materials such as plywood, aluminum, metals, beachwood, leather, and velum were used to make pieces like chairs, upholstered furniture, and tables. Ornamentation was almost completely rejected in this era, unless it supported the function of the design. It also was similar to the arts and crafts movement because of this, but Protomodernism embraced the use of the machine, as long has high quality design was produced. The Vienna Secession took place during this era. Artists and designers that were apart of this boldly had no tie to history, and believed that all arts were worthy of design. This included house hold objects. Many designers durin...