Biography

Robert Mathieu (1921- 2002)

Robert Mathieu is one of the most talented creators and producers of lighting fixtures of the 1950s. Graduated from the Boulle school in 1938 as a bronze turner, he began his career as a clock manufacturer at 98 boulevard Charonne which will remain its flagship store. In 1949, he began creating lighting by designing and publishing his own creations. His first pieces rival each other in ingenuity and are imbued with his initial training in watchmaking.

Robert Mathieu underwent several evolutions in his style but nevertheless remained committed to producing highly precise lighting fixtures.

Working regularly for private commissions, his pieces have a unique and original character. He favors clean and supple lines which give his creations elegance and lightness.

During the 1950s, he developed different ranges of lighting: the first around a system of double lampshades (the diabolo) and gilded brass, the second used lacquered aluminum reflectors on chandeliers, floor lamps or wall lights system, then he invented a whole range of wall lights, ceiling lights, counterweighted floor lamps, lacquered in metallic gray and whose reflectors are white Perspex cones. Other series would follow in the 1960s in glass and teak to accompany the wave of Scandinavian furniture.

In 1955, he bought the brand “LE LUMINAIRE PARISIEN” from René Mathieu and found himself at the head of three establishments in Paris.

Seeing his activity evolve and expand, he set up new premises in Bagnolet.

Under the name “R. Mathieu Luminaires Rationnels” he produces lighting fixtures for major designers including Michel Buffet.

His meeting with Jean-Boris Lacroix also inspired him in his work. He collaborates with him on different projects. His biggest orders came from the Grand Hôtel du Louvre and the Hôtel Concorde Lafayette, for which he created a luminous headboard and 950 illuminating mirrors. He also works for the famous French furniture brand “Perriand et Le Corbusier”.

During his career, he won numerous prizes and distinctions, notably the « Grand Prix » at the Milan Triennale in 1954 for his “Caravelle” armchair.

He was also a professor of industrial design at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris from 1965 to 1975.

He ceased his activity in 1978 and died in 2002 in Loiret.

His productions are distributed in France, Algeria and Morocco by his classmates from the Boulle school who have become decorators, among them René Fray and André Beaudoin.