Adam Wieland

ADAM WIELAND
Metalworker and publisher, Karlsruhe

In 1963, Adam Wieland became head of the metallurgy workshop at the Karlsruhe Technical University. The students nicknamed him "Wieland the blacksmith" in reference to the Germanic hero, master of his craft.

It was there that he met Egon Eiermann, a star architect of post-war modernism and a professor at the school. In 1953, Eiermann designed an iconic trestle for his studio: a diagonal cross structure, welded steel tubes, and a wooden plank placed on top. Simple, functional, timeless.

THE BIRTH OF THE E2

In 1965, an assistant of Eiermann asked Wieland to make the table base portable. Rather than simply cutting the welded tubes, Wieland reinvented the system: four screwable elements, vertical crosses for added stability, and optimized tubes to lighten the whole structure.

The base becomes demountable, stackable, adaptable. Egon Eiermann approves with a pat on the shoulder.

This optimized version — named E2 in homage to Eiermann — became a cult classic. First in architectural studios, then among designers and creatives worldwide. From Karlsruhe to Zurich, London, New York, Tokyo.

Since 1965, the Wieland family has been manufacturing this classic with the same meticulous craftsmanship. Today, under the direction of Peter Wieland, Adam's son, the company perpetuates a legacy of industrial precision and functional elegance.

Antifer celebrates this story of transmission: that of a craftsman who knew how to improve a classic without altering its essence. The E2 embodies what we seek: intelligent attention to detail, precision of form, and durability that transcends generations.