Born in the small village of Tumlingen, Fischer grew up in modest circumstances. His father, Georg, worked as a tailor, while his mother, Pauline, supported the family by ironing collars. Despite financial hardships, she noticed her son’s mechanical talent early on and encouraged his curiosity—buying him a construction set and helping him build a small workshop at home. This nurturing environment laid the foundation for Fischer’s inventive spirit.
After completing an apprenticeship as a locksmith, Fischer served as an aircraft mechanic during World War II. He survived the brutal Battle of Stalingrad and later endured captivity as a prisoner of war in England. Returning home in 1946, he repurposed military scrap into useful household items such as electric lighters and loom switches. In 1948, he founded his own company, Artur Fischer Apparatebau—later known as the Fischer Group—which grew into a global enterprise.
Fischer’s first major breakthrough came in 1949 when he patented the synchronized photo flash, allowing photographers to safely use flash with cameras for the first time. But his most revolutionary invention appeared in 1958: the plastic expanding wall plug. This simple yet brilliant device made it possible to securely fasten screws into materials like plaster or brick, changing construction practices worldwide. Today, an estimated 14 million Fischer plugs are produced daily.
Throughout his career, Fischer approached invention as a response to real-world needs—from bone plugs used in surgery to a clever tool for cleanly opening boiled eggs. His creativity earned him numerous awards, including an honorary engineering title from the University of Stuttgart. Fischer’s legacy endures not only in his inventions but in his philosophy: every problem holds the potential for a new solution.
Artur Fischer: The Inventor Who Revolutionized Everyday Life
