Mathieu Lustrerie

MATHIEU LUSTRERIE
Ceiling lamp "La grosse boule", c. 1980.
Glass.
Measurements: 100 cm (diameter).
The ceiling lamp "la grosse boule" was a creation of Régis Mathieu. As the brand states this design has been created " Following the tradition of chandeliers since the end of the 17th century, strung beads are a favorite theme in the art of luxurious lighting. We know from the history of decorative arts that this luminous embroidery developed over time, first reflecting the light of candles, and later that of gas and electricity. We remain faithful to this marvelous technique, which can justly be considered a true haute couture of light, while striving to incorporate the most innovative developments in contemporary lighting sources."
Founded in 1948 by Henri Mathieu in the Chutes-Lavie district of Marseille, the Mathieu Lustrerie workshop has since its origins linked its name to the art of light. This Provençal family business, specializing in the creation of chandeliers, seemed destined to disappear in the face of the growing hegemony of more modern technologies such as halogens. However, during the 1970s, Henri Mathieu developed an innovative collection of luminaires composed of brushed aluminum sheets, in which light is treated as a true sculpture. This transformative vision, which fused functionality and artistic expression, marked a turning point in the history of the workshop.
After Henri's untimely death in 1982, the management of the workshop passed to his wife, Yvette, who continued her husband's legacy with determination. In the early 1990s, at the age of nineteen, his son Régis Mathieu took over the management of the company. Moved since childhood by a deep fascination for "beautiful objects", he immediately understood that his destiny was closely linked to history and heritage.
With a clear international vision, Régis Mathieu expanded the workshop's presence into strategic markets such as the United States and the Middle East, consolidating a prestigious clientele attracted by the refinement of French style. His tireless quest for excellence led him to collaborate closely with those in charge of historical monuments, with whom he developed a unique know-how. These collaborations, always in close dialogue with specialized architects, allowed him not only to perfect restoration and creative techniques, but also to inscribe his work in a heritage continuity that gives his creations a timeless dimension.