In the 1970s, when halogen lights seemingly began to replace chandeliers, France's Henri Mathieu reimagined them, creating a collection of lighting using brushed aluminium blades, ensuring the heritage of these interior lights remained pertinent. His son Regis Mathieu, who continues to sustain the family business, has always been fascinated by "all things shimmery and beautiful" since childhood. He expanded their brand Mathieu Lustrerie to different parts of the world, including India, the United States and the Middle East.
What drew him to India is its rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship. He first travelled here about 25 years ago, scouting for stones worldwide. Little did he know that one visit would eventually translate into an affection for the artisans of India.
Having restored chandeliers for Comédie Française, the Opéra Garnier, the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, and Lakshmi Vilas Palace in India, to name just a few, Mathieu Lustrerie continues to strengthen its position globally while continuing to produce striking collections that are nothing short of works of art. Showcasing the same, the international brand came to Delhi in March for an exclusive exhibition highlighting France's extensive expertise in home decor and furnishing and collaborations between France and India in interior design. Regis Mathieu took us through the recently concluded expo, his love for Indian jewellery and restoration projects.
Excerpts from the interview here.
Tell us something about your exhibition. What brought you to India?
My journey to India began 25 years ago when I came to source stones worldwide. India's rich heritage, history, palaces, and traditional craftsmanship caught my attention. Despite my initial purpose of sourcing stones, I discovered much more than just materials for my creations.
Over the years, my visits to India became more frequent as I developed a deep affection for the country. I continued to explore its diverse landscapes and meet with artisans, suppliers, and enthusiasts. My relationship with India has evolved from sourcing materials to actively participating in trade and commerce.
Returning to India for the exhibition seems like a culmination of my long-standing admiration and involvement with the country. My love for India has only grown stronger over the years, and it has become a significant part of my professional and personal life; I not only source materials from India, but some of my very cherished patrons are from India as well.
Could you elaborate on any instances where your experiences abroad have directly inspired your artistic endeavours? Can you shed light on any of your works that draw inspiration from Indian architecture?
My experiences abroad, particularly in India, have served as a wellspring of inspiration for my artistic endeavours, shaping not only the visual aesthetics of my work but also its thematic depth and emotional resonance.
Through my art, I seek to capture the timeless beauty and profound wisdom found in the architectural wonders of India, inviting viewers on a journey of spiritual awakening and aesthetic appreciation.
Some of my works draw inspiration from Indian stones like ruby, sapphire, emerald, and other precious stones.
Could you share some insights into the historical significance of the chandeliers you've restored for iconic venues like the Comédie Française and the Palace of Versailles?
Restoring chandeliers, such as those from the Chateau de Versailles or the Comédie Française, offers invaluable insights into their historical evolution. In the 17th century, chandeliers at places like Versailles began incorporating crystal, marking a significant shift. Before this, around 200 years earlier, chandeliers were rudimentary, often adorned with stones or rock crystals, symbolising their nascent stage.
During this period, crystal chandeliers like those at Versailles were reserved for royalty due to their exorbitant cost, while advancements like gas lighting in the 19th century, seen at venues like the Comédie Française, democratised illumination. Gas lighting expanded access to lighting beyond aristocratic circles, particularly in public spaces like theatres.
The evolution of chandeliers continues with innovations such as electricity and, more recently, LEDs. Each iteration reflects technological progress and broader societal shifts in accessibility and usage of light.
What challenges and opportunities arise when working on projects like restoring the Lakshmi Vilas Palace in India?
The comparison between the importance of chandeliers in historical settings, such as Lakshmi Vilas Palace in India and Versailles in France, is stark. Chandeliers hold both symbolic and practical significance, shedding light on the lifestyle, societal structures, and power dynamics of their respective eras and locations.
Chandeliers, beyond merely illuminating spaces, serve as markers of status and prestige, reflecting the wealth and preferences of their owners. Their presence often signifies cultural connections, trade relationships, and aspirations for grandeur. Understanding the historical context surrounding a chandelier involves exploring the stories behind its acquisition, the occasions it illuminated, and the messages it conveyed.
Before restoring a chandelier, thorough research is essential to properly contextualise its significance. This process allows for preserving the physical artefact and its rich history and cultural context. By studying chandeliers within their broader historical narratives, we gain deeper insights into the individuals, families, and societies that shaped them.
Your gallery in Paris showcases a collection of chandeliers dating back centuries. For travellers interested in experiencing this rich history firsthand, what would you recommend as the highlight of a visit to Mathieu Lustrerie's museum?
Our company doesn't just focus on restoring and crafting chandeliers; we're also deeply committed to sharing our passion with a broader audience, not limited to our clientele. This commitment is reflected in establishing two distinct spaces, both in Paris, with an additional workshop in the South of France.
In Paris, our gallery serves as a dynamic venue for ongoing exhibitions to educate and inspire the public about the history and allure of chandeliers. Each exhibition offers a fresh perspective, showcasing the evolution and significance of these exquisite pieces.
Moreover, our workshop, located in the historic Place de la Concorde within the prestigious Hotel de la Marine, holds a profound historical legacy. Once the crown workshop of kings Louis XIV and Louis XV, this site has been dedicated to the meticulous restoration of royal artefacts for centuries. Visitors to our workshop have the unique opportunity to explore the intricate techniques of chandelier restoration, guided by our expert artisans. The workshop experience typically lasts two hours, including an hour-long tour of the museum's collection, featuring chandeliers from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
As someone immersed in luxury lighting for decades, how do you see the role of craftsmanship and heritage evolving in an age of rapid technological advancement and changing tastes?
Technology and testing methods have evolved significantly throughout history, yet the essence of craftsmanship and passion remains steadfast. Crafting a chandelier is akin to creating art infused with emotion and creativity.
Over the centuries, advancements such as the introduction of plain crystal in the 19th century, rock crystal in the 17th century, and even the modern incorporation of LED technology have expanded the possibilities of chandelier design. However, the objective remains the same at its core—to evoke emotion through manipulating light.
Similarly, stained glass, or "vitrail," exemplifies this timeless fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern expression. Despite enduring through the ages in terms of technique and materials, the emotional impact of stained glass remains undiminished. Artists harness the resources available to them, blending them with their creativity to evoke profound emotional responses.
In this context, the significance of art lies not in its alignment with trends or technological advancements but in its ability to transcend time and resonate with audiences. Ultimately, the beauty of art lies in its timelessness and ability to transcend tastes and technologies. Artists leverage the tools at their disposal, whether traditional or modern, to craft works that stir the soul and enrich the human experience.
Can you share any upcoming collaborations or projects that travellers visiting Paris should keep an eye out for?
What we find particularly intriguing about our current work is our involvement in the restoration, or rather the reconstruction, of the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral. As many know, a few years ago, the cathedral was ravaged by a significant fire, leaving it near destruction. Being part of the effort to revive such an iconic landmark fills us with immense pride.
This undertaking is unparalleled in contemporary times. Never has there been such an extensive rebuilding of a cathedral of such historical significance, especially considering its venerable history dating back to the Middle Ages. Our team is not only engaged in restoring but also in recreating all the chandeliers within the cathedral. We're tremendously proud of our role in this monumental project. The cathedral is scheduled to reopen its doors in December, and we hope that people from all corners of the globe will come to witness the magnificence of what we believe to be among the most extraordinary cathedrals in the world, if not the largest.