Model SZ27 Armchair by Martin Visser for t Spectrum, 1963

Martin Visser designed this chair for ‘t Spectrum about 1963. He used old and new techniques designing this chair (and sofa – not included here). The only problem, which later on came to be, was the price and expensive techniques for building this chair. A flat steel plate of 3 mm thickness needed to be folded in to a U-form. Then the inner was enameled in a black color (no lacquer). The construction also needed that, where the screws (imbus) run through the U-form, solid metal parts were placed in the frame so it kept its strength and didn’t warp when the screws were tightened into the seating part. The down part of the frame is wider than the part where the armrest is mounted on because this last part is placed in to the leg part and locked in the back legs.

The armrests are upholstered with soft black leather.

Al these steps made this chair very expensive to make. That’s why only a few were made – this chair is one of them.

What did Martin Visser want with this construction? Just like Mies van der Rohe did with his buildings in Chicago Martin Visser brought the inside to the outside and let’s be honest; he succeeded in doing so.
It is so strong that an olifant can sit on it.

Where did he get his inspiration?
There are two important designers that comes to mind; Jean Prouve (F) and Friso Kramer (NL)

Later during the 1960s this chair and sofa, using different type numbers, were made with a square hollow pipe which was far more cheaper, easier to make and to construct.