’t Spectrum, founded in the middle of the Second World War, originated from fabric manufacturer De Ploeg. The contrast between the anarchist, committed company and the German occupier could not be greater. In the early years there was hardly any labor hierarchy within the company and the aim was to share ownership and profit. In the early years, production was forced to produce small bags, wooden bowls and toys.
In 1954 Martin Visser was appointed as head of design. Around this time, more metal became available on the market and Visser designed his famous sofa bed BR02.7 made of tubular steel.
Visser also attracted external designers such as graphic artist Constant Nieuwenhuys, designers Benno Premsela and Kho Liang Ie and architect Gerrit Rietveld.
Although the appearance of ‘t Spectrum was rather industrial until the end of the sixties, Visser had a preference for handmade furniture; as a result, ‘t Spectrum’s seating and storage products were always finely crafted and often too expensive for the mass market.
In the early 1970s, when cheaper, foreign products created stiff competition, the directors of ‘t Spectrum decided to liquidate the company. However, some employees wanted to continue; and so they opened a smaller production outfit called Arspect, selling a small number of ‘t Spectrum pieces alongside new designers. Unable to weather financial difficulties in the 1980s, Arspect closed down as well; but luckily another former employee of ’t Spectrum bought the original design licenses from the 1960s and founded Spectrum, as it is now known, in Eindhoven.
View some of our products from ‘t Spectrum here:
Kiwi Green sofa bed br03 – Martin Visser – ‘t Spectrum
Article number 7168 The Martin Visser sofa bed is an iconic design from the early 60s. Martin Visser designed this classic for ‘t Spectrum (the Netherlands). The design of this sofa has sleek lines, but the sofa provides a lot … Continued
Light blue Martin Visser sleeping sofa
Article number 7163 Famous three-seater sofa made by ‘t Spectrum in the Netherlands in the 60s. This sofa bed is designed by Martin Visser. It is restored with new HR foam, has black lacquered metal legs, and is re-upholstered in … Continued
Sofa bed br02 – Martin Visser – ‘t Spectrum – Kvadrat
Article number 7078 Martin Visser designed the br02 sofa bed in the 60s for ‘t Spectrum (the Netherlands). With a simple hand movement you can turn the sofa into a single bed. This Design Icon has a round chrome tubular … Continued
Martin Visser sofa bed br02 – Spectrum – Kvadrat Hallingdal
Article number 7069 Martin Visser designed the br02 sofa bed in the 60s for Spectrum (the Netherlands). With a simple movement you can turn the sofa into a single bed. This Design Icon has a round chrome tubular frame. The … Continued
sz07 Kyoto armchair – Martin Visser – ‘t Spectrum
Article number 5528 Armchair sz07 / Kyoto 1 was designed in 1969 by Martin Visser and produced by Spectrum (the Netherlands). This chair has a metal base and newly upholstered cushions. The leather is tan colored and has a very … Continued