Avant-gardist and minimalist&nbsp;&nbsp;

Martin Visser (1922–2009) was one of the most influential Dutch furniture designers of the 20th century. After working in the furniture department at De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam, he became art director at Spectrum in 1954—a position in which he was able to fully develop his signature clean and functional design style.&nbsp;

Visser aimed to create accessible furniture with a minimal use of materials and the simplest possible forms, always with a focus on comfort, durability, and high quality. His most famous design, the BR02 sofa bed from 1960, has become a true design classic. Its clear construction, ease of use, and timeless aesthetic have ensured its relevance for generations.&nbsp;

For his designs, Visser applied a clear naming system: the first letter indicated the type of furniture (b=bank - sofa, s=stoel - chair, t=tafel - table), the second letter its function (BR = sofa for resting, SE = dining chair, SZ = lounge chair), followed by the model number.&nbsp;

Martin Visser had a lasting influence on both the Spectrum collection and the Dutch design landscape. Under his direction, designs by leading figures such as Gerrit Rietveld, Friso Kramer, and Benno Premsela were introduced into the collection, making high-quality design accessible to a wide audience.&nbsp;

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Visser’s clear formal language, functional approach, and focus on sustainability remain as relevant today as ever, continuing to inspire designers around the world.&nbsp;

Meet Martin Visser

Meet
Martin Visser