Maison Spindler
The location
Saint-Léonard
For more than a century, the Spindler firm has been based within the former Benedictine abbey of Saint-Léonard, at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile. A favoured spot for contemplation and creation, the hamlet of Saint-Léonard adjoins Boersch, a small Medieval settlement typical of the Alsatian Piedmont.
The history of Saint-Léonard dates back to 1109 and the foundation of the Benedictine abbey. The convent was later replaced by a collegiate of canons from the chapter of Strasbourg Cathedral, until the destructions of the Revolution.
The old courtyard of the chapter was brought back to life around 1889 when Charles Spindler, along with Anselme Laugel, made the hamlet of Saint-Léonard an important artistic and cultural centre bringing together Alsatian and German artists and intellectuals.
It blossomed in 1893 when, influenced by Art Nouveau, Charles Spindler first experimented with marquetry and did much to restore the status of this ancient art form by creating truly original pieces of furniture.
The Spindler company’s premises have remained the family residence ever since, as well as the cradle for a craft tradition which has produced the finest marquetry pieces, allowing creative inspiration to truly flourish.
The museum
The museum houses a collection of works reflecting the highlights of Spindler’s creative achievements, which have influenced the artistic life of their times and have often been honoured at major international exhibitions.
Items of furniture, marquetry panels, works of decorative art, sculptures and paintings created by Charles and Paul Spindler, together with works produced by their artist friends, bear witness to the essential role they played in the history of the arts.
Some pieces from the dining room exhibited by Charles Spindler at the third German Decorative Arts Exhibition in Dresden in 1906 illustrate the rich collaborations undertaken between artists in Saint-Léonard circle. This work as a whole was awarded a medal of honour at the Exhibition, and established the reputation of Alsatian decorative art.
Guided tours are organised for groups of fifteen people or more, by appointment, from Monday to Saturday.
Price: 6 euros per person.
The spirit
Renowned for the know-how and refinement of its creative output, Spindler Marqueterie d'Art (Spindler Artistic Marquetry) combines technical perfection and artistic inspiration. Since 1893, the workshop has developed a unique legacy through the efforts of its founder Charles Spindler, his son Paul, and his grandson Jean-Charles, in charge since 1975.
Discover or rediscover the infinite poetry of wood marquetry
Enter the extraordinary world of a noble and exacting material, worked with scientific precision and impeccable technical skill to produce truly exceptional pieces.
The compositions reveal an admirable intuition for the material. The artist expresses himself through the wood in the manner of a painter, employing the values and structures of a singular material holding endless possibilities.
Original creations, endless renewed inspiration
The compositions are born from the rich diversity of woods the three generations of marquetry workers have assembled in a remarkable library which constitutes the company’s palette.
Perfect harmony between tradition and modernity
Engaged in continuous research, the Spindler firm continues to innovate and produces works inspired by Jean-Charles Spindler and his predilection for the very finest materials. It perpetuates the tradition of emblematic pictures from its classic repertoire, applying the remarkable production techniques of the workshop.
The workshop
Charles Spindler (1865-1938), a native of Boersch, moved to Saint-Léonard and opened his workshop in 1893. He recruited residents of Boersch and the surrounding villages, and trained them in the art of marquetry.
In the 1930s, the workshop was handed down to his son Paul (1906-1980), who continued to produce Alsatian-themed work as well as exploring new creative fields.
Jean-Charles took over the family business in 1975 and surrounded himself with a team of highly qualified marqueteurs.
Today, the Saint-Léonard workshop produces the contemporary creations of Jean-Charles Spindler as well as works from the traditional Alsatian repertoire.
Jean-Charles Spindler and his workshop have enjoyed the status of a Living Heritage Enterprise (EPV) since 2006. This certification is an official recognition by the State, highlighting French businesses with exceptional expertise in crafts and industry.
