Mathieu Lustrerie Brings Chandeliers to Life in Provence

“The chandelier is a jewel that never goes out of style.”

~ Mathieu Lustrerie website

Régis Mathieu is a true artisan. His expertise lies in working with bronze, creating, and restoring chandeliers. After his father’s passing, he assumed the helm of the family business in 1990 – Mathieu Lustrerie. The company is recognized worldwide for its chandelier restorations. A chandelier is more than just a light; it is an art form, and Mathieu Lustrerie creates the magic.

Brilliant Lights

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.

Perhaps the real magic of an antique chandelier is the candlelight dance reflected in the crystals. But, modern bulbs cannot create that kaleidoscopic. 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, Van Cleef & Arpels and many more.

Living Heritage

Mathieu Lustrerie has earned the prestigious label Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV). The EPV designation has existed since 2005 and is open to trades involved in 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.

“A chandelier carries the light of our happiest moments and accompanies us through the day. I have conceived these universes to share them with you as a tribute to this special object.” ~ Régis Mathieu

The Restoration Process

Restoring an old chandelier requires careful study of the condition of materials and where realistic drawings or photos. Plans are developed, followed by a model. Next, the bronze work involves multiple steps – moulds, casting and finally, installation.

Luberon Location

Régis Mathieu’s father Henri founded Mathieu Lustrerie in 1948 locating the workshop in the Chute-Lavie area of Marseille. Henri died suddenly in 1982, and his wife Yvette assumed the responsibilities for the operations until Régis reached an age (19) that he could take over. In 2002, after outgrowing the original location in Marseille and a desire to modernize, the atelier relocated to a former ocher factory in Gargas.

Preparing for Your Visit

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

Museum hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00.
Friday morning: 8:30 am to noon
Group tours are available upon request

Galerie Régis Mathieu
2, rue de Miromesnil
75008 Paris
Telephone: + 33 (0)1 81 70 92 80
From Monday to Friday
10:00am to 01:00 pm
02:00pm to 07:00 pm

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).