Celebrating Chandeliers and Porsche 911 at Mathieu Lustrerie

Located in Gargas in the Luberon Valley, Mathieu Lustrerie is recognized worldwide for its chandelier restorations. A chandelier is more than just a light; it is an art form, and Mathieu Lustrerie merits the prestigious label Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV). The EPV designation is open to trades involved in the production, transformation, repair, and restoration work. Earning this accreditation involves a rigorous selection process, and the badge stands for five years, although it is renewable. Consequently, professions considered for EPV are often immersed in traditional working methods related to art and culture.

Porsche 911 and Lights

Fast, luxurious, and beautiful, the Porsche 911 is more than a sports car. It’s an icon. And in 2023, this model celebrates a milestone 60th birthday from the first year of production. At the helm of Mathieu Lustrerie for the last 25 years, Régis Mathieu has two passions, chandeliers and collecting classic automobiles, including Porsche models.

What better occasion to celebrate the grand opening of the workshop expansion at Mathieu Lustrerie in Gargas than the Porsche 911’s 60th year of production? So, between December 16, 2022, and January 22, 2023, the company will showcase 40 of the most iconic and rare Porsche 911s illuminated with 40 spectacular chandeliers.

Mathieu Lustrerie History

Régis Mathieu’s father, Henri, founded Mathieu Lustrerie in 1948 with a workshop in the Chute-Lavie district of Marseille. Henri died suddenly in 1982, leaving his wife Yvette responsible for their company until Régis assumed the full operations of Mathieu Lustrerie in 1990. In 2002, after outgrowing the original location in Marseille and a desire to modernize, the atelier relocated to a former ocher factory in Gargas. Régis Mathieu is a true artisan with expertise in working with bronze for designing and restoring chandeliers.

Restoring Chandeliers

Many magnificent chandeliers suffered from the passage of time and destruction during the French Revolution and World Wars. As a result, historical monuments are a cornerstone of the work at Mathieu Lustrerie. The team restored stunning chandeliers in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, the hallways of the Opera Garnier in Paris, the Musée du Louvre, and the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, among a long list of others.

Working with bronze and glass crystals, whether on the scale of a castle or for a private home, Mathieu Lustrerie has revived interest in a sublime art that had fallen into obsolescence. Restoring an old chandelier requires careful study of the condition of materials and where realistic drawings or photos exist. Next, plans are developed, followed by a model. Next, the bronze work involves multiple steps – moulds, casting and installation.

Perhaps the real magic of an antique chandelier is the candlelight dance reflected in the crystals. Unfortunately, however, modern bulbs don’t create that kaleidoscope. Or at least not until Mathieu Lustrerie Atelier developed a LED that mimics candlelight – the Evolution 5.

Contemporary Mathieu Lustrerie creations illuminate luxury jewels, perfume, and high-end fashion in boutiques such as Cartier, Chanel, Hermès, Guerlain, Louis Vuitton, and Van Cleef & Arpels, among others.

Preparing for Your Visit

Mathieu Lustrerie Atelier & Museum (website)
Hameau des Sauvans
84400 Gargas
Telephone: +33 (0)4 90 74 92 40

Hours:
“Lumières on 60 years of Porsche 911” is open daily from 17h – 21h December 16, 2022, to January 22, 2022 (except 12/24 and 12/31)

Image credits: All photos were provided by and published with the permission of Mathieu Lustrerie.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).