Photo TidbitsSt. Léonard France (Spindler Studio)

By Jim and Emmy Humberd

Marquetry pictures, created by Charles Spindler (1865-1938), line the walls of a dining room in the restaurant Chez Jenny in Paris.

His son, Paul Spindler (1906-1980), created "The Twelve Stations of the Cross," in the nearby hilltop abbey, Mont St. Odile. His wife, born in America, came to France to work with Dr. Albert Schweitzer. She worked at the American Hospital in Paris during the war, and later met Mr. Paul Spindler.

The third generation, Jean-Charles (John) Spindler, creates beautiful pictures of the Alsace. Hundreds of veneer-thin pieces of wood from a variety of trees supply the different colors and are cut to fit and form a perfect picture -- no paint, stains, or varnish are used. We have that art in our home.

We visited with the late Mrs. Paul Spindler in her thousand year old home that was originally an Abbey, and have visited with John and his wife Betsy, several different years.

Books by Jim and Emmy Humberd:
Invitation to France
Invitation to Germany
Invitation to Italy

Related Links:
Art of Marquetry
Jean-Charles Spindler
Charles Spindler

French Video Immersion