The Gustav: Where Craftsmanship Writes New Stories

Some things begin with a piece of wood. Others with an old skateboard, a piece of silver, a piece of glass, or a piece of steel. What emerges depends on who takes the material into their hands.

At Gustav 2026, numerous manufacturers, designers, and craft businesses demonstrate how varied this process can be. Their products are not connected by a particular style but by a shared attitude: materials are consciously selected, processed, and refined. Many pieces are produced in small series or as unique creations. Behind every product are people with their knowledge, experience, and their own vision of good design.

At Ronske the story begins with a material that has actually served its time. Old skateboards are transformed into furniture and accessories. The distinctive color layers of the skateboard wood remain visible and become an essential part of the design.

Something completely new emerges from what has lost its original function. Not as a game of hide and seek, but deliberately: the material’s past remains visible and becomes part of the finished object’s aesthetic.

Upcycling here is not seen as a sacrifice but as a creative opportunity. The material already carries its own story – and through skilled craftsmanship, it is given a second life.

At Goldschmiede im Fabrikle traditional goldsmith craftsmanship meets contemporary jewelry design. The focus is on individually crafted pieces where material, form, and personal expression come together. It’s not about fleeting trends but about pieces carefully designed and made with artisanal skill.

The goldsmith exemplifies how high-quality materials and a personal idea can create a piece of jewelry with its own story. Every detail, shape, and surface contributes to the finished piece’s personal signature.

A different approach to longevity is shown by Messerschmied Wohlgenannt from Dornbirn. The family business is now run by the third generation. In addition to a wide range of knives and scissors, custom knives are also made to customer specifications. In their in-house sharpening workshop, knives, scissors, and garden tools are sharpened and repaired.

This is craftsmanship with a clear idea: good quality doesn’t need to be replaced quickly.

A knife can be a tool for everyday use – or a tool that accompanies its owner for many years. When it becomes dull, it is sharpened. When something can be repaired, it doesn’t have to be thrown away. This way, craftsmanship quality becomes a form of sustainability that relies not on sacrifice but on durability.

The story of Herat Glas goes back even further. In the Afghan region of Herat, a glassblowing tradition thousands of years old is still alive. The mouth-blown pieces are created in a clay oven and are all unique. Iridescent blues and greens, individual shapes, and traces of the production process make each piece unmistakable.

The special exhibition at Gustav not only showcases extraordinary glass art but also tells the story of a craft and cultural tradition that is meant to be preserved.Stefan Grabher from Mary Rose together with the ZEIT journalist Wolfgang Bauer initiated the Herat Glas project.

Four examples, four materials, and four completely different stories.

And yet they share something crucial:The finished product is only part of the story.

This is exactly the space that Gustav creates. As a salon for design and enjoyment, it brings together brands, manufacturers, and creators who stand for quality, individual craftsmanship, and artistic skill.

It’s not about viewing craftsmanship as a nostalgic counterpoint to the modern world. On the contrary: the examples at Gustav show how contemporary craftsmanship can be.