Martin Eisler

Born in Vienna in 1913, the son of the famous art historian Max Eisler, one of the founding members of the Austrian Werkbund, Martin Eisler studied in Vienna under the noted architects Oskar Strnad and Clemens Holzmeister. In 1938 he moved to Buenos Aires, where he immediately set about holding his first exhibition of designs and furniture at the Mueller Gallery, which became the National Office of Fine Arts in 1940, in the Palais de Glace. In 1945 he founded the business Interieur with Arnold Hackel, which sold furniture and objects designed by the duo, launching his career as a designer. His work also took him to Brazil, where in 1955 he went into partnership with Carlo Hauner from the company Moveis Artesanais, and became Art Director of the company Forma in São Paulo. Eisler’s experience in Brazil aroused his interest in exotic woods and varnishing and lacquering techniques on wood, glass and bronze. Eisler’s two businesses subsequently began to work synergistically, producing furniture that was highly successful both in Argentina and in Brazil, which culminated in him signing a contract with Knoll International between the late ’50s and early ’60s. This led to his growth and establishment at a time when the contract furniture market was at the height of its expansion, with the founding of the new capital city Brasilia and the Oscar Niemeyer projects, to which he contributed with great success. Also greatly appreciated as an architect for his projects characterised by their all-encompassing creativity, which customised every detail, from buildings to furniture, Eisler also worked as a set designer and opera director. His most famous design pieces include the Reversivél and Costela chairs, which were awarded the prestigious Milanese Compasso d’Oro. The famous auction house, Christie’s registered the first purchase in 1999. Martin Eisler’s furniture has always been highly esteemed throughout the world.