Charles Spindler (11 March 1865 inBœrsch – 3 March 1938 in Bœrsch) was anAlsatian painter,marquetry inlayer, writer and photographer. He was also a supporter of Alsatianregionalism and founded several institutions for the promotion ofAlsatian culture.[1]
His father was a notary. At the age of twelve, he was enrolled in drawing classes and received encouragement to make art a career from his uncleLouis-Pierre Spindler [fr], a painter. A scholarship he received in 1882 enabled him to study in Düsseldorf, Munich and Berlin. While in Munich, he metMartin von Feuerstein, a painter of sacred art, who introduced him to the Ott Brothers (glass makers) in 1887. After executing several projects for them inStrasbourg and completing his military service, he returned to Bœrsch, but found little work. By chance, he befriendedAnselme Laugel, a politician and writer who painted in his spare time and became a major supporter of Spindler's efforts.[2]
In 1893, Spindler and his friendJoseph Sattler beganLes Images Alsaciennes, a journal they published until 1896. This enabled Spindler to establish a workshop in Saint-Léonard (a district of Bœrsch) in 1897. Next came theRevue Alsacienne Illustrée, published from 1898 to 1914. Both journals were influential in promoting Alsatian culture.[3] Also in 1893, he discovered marquetry and strove to apply it as a painting technique, rather than decorative ornamentation.
He worked with equal facility in many mediums; posters and books, glass, boxes and trays, wood paneling and, most significantly, inlaid furniture for interior decoration. He also worked in collaboration with others, such asLéon Elchinger [fr] (pottery) andJean-Désiré Ringel d'Illzach (sculpture).[2]
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