Hot-Air Balloon Chandelier 1.webp
Hot-Air Balloon Chandelier 3.webp
Hot-Air Balloon Chandelier 2.webp
Hot-Air Balloon Chandelier 1.webp
Hot-Air Balloon Chandelier 3.webp
Hot-Air Balloon Chandelier 2.webp

MATHIEU LUSTRERIE | Hot-Air Balloon Chandelier

£9,878.80

Height 95cm
Width: 48cm

Crystal and gilded bronze. Antiquity. Mathieu Museum Collection.

Chandeliers are objects of remarkable versatility, capable of assuming an endless variety of sizes and forms. They offer an infinite palette of designs, ranging from the most understated to the most imaginative. Some designers, liberated from conventional constraints, venture into creating increasingly inventive models—at times playful, and at others truly extraordinary in the fullest sense of the word.

For these creators, functionality is not always the foremost concern; rather, the priority lies in expressing a deeply personal vision, whether rooted in craftsmanship or artistic exploration. Among such luminous creations, hot air balloon–shaped chandeliers enjoyed a particular moment of prominence in the early 19th century. Their popularity followed the spectacular flights of the Montgolfier brothers, whose pioneering achievements at the close of the 18th century captured the public imagination.

This balloon chandelier, part of Régis Mathieu’s personal collection, reflects that historical fascination. It transforms an everyday object into something poetic and symbolic. The concept was later revisited with brilliance by Kevin McCloud, who drew inspiration from an antique model discovered in Italy.

In this context, the chandelier transcends its decorative function. It becomes a meaningful object imbued with history—a luminous tribute to the pioneers of aviation. Through its distinctive design and evocative presence, it continues to captivate, standing as both a work of art and a testament to human ingenuity.

Height 95cm
Width: 48cm

Crystal and gilded bronze. Antiquity. Mathieu Museum Collection.

Chandeliers are objects of remarkable versatility, capable of assuming an endless variety of sizes and forms. They offer an infinite palette of designs, ranging from the most understated to the most imaginative. Some designers, liberated from conventional constraints, venture into creating increasingly inventive models—at times playful, and at others truly extraordinary in the fullest sense of the word.

For these creators, functionality is not always the foremost concern; rather, the priority lies in expressing a deeply personal vision, whether rooted in craftsmanship or artistic exploration. Among such luminous creations, hot air balloon–shaped chandeliers enjoyed a particular moment of prominence in the early 19th century. Their popularity followed the spectacular flights of the Montgolfier brothers, whose pioneering achievements at the close of the 18th century captured the public imagination.

This balloon chandelier, part of Régis Mathieu’s personal collection, reflects that historical fascination. It transforms an everyday object into something poetic and symbolic. The concept was later revisited with brilliance by Kevin McCloud, who drew inspiration from an antique model discovered in Italy.

In this context, the chandelier transcends its decorative function. It becomes a meaningful object imbued with history—a luminous tribute to the pioneers of aviation. Through its distinctive design and evocative presence, it continues to captivate, standing as both a work of art and a testament to human ingenuity.

About the designer

Recognised for their rare skills (EPV France) in restoring, re-editing and designing chandeliers using techniques from the 17th-20th centuries; Mathieu Lustrerie have been continually appointed by royal households and historic monuments to offer expert advice and restore and faithfully re-edit some of the world’s most celebrated projects. In addition to being an avid collector, Regis Mathieu has created contemporary collections adorned with rock crystal and semi precious stones, utilising the same cast bronze, hand chiseling and gilding techniques that were employed in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Founded in 1948 by Henri Mathieu in the Chutes-Lavie district of Marseille, the Mathieu Lustrerie Atelier has always associated its name with the art of the light. A family business in Provence. Henri Mathieu created a collection of lighting in 1970s of brushed aluminium blades, treating lights as sculpture. 

After Henri’s untimely death in 1982 the workshop was run by his wife Yvette. Then in early 1990 their son, Regis Mathieu assumed the helm. Fascinated by beautiful things since childhood, he immediately understands that his future is linked to history. He expanded sales to the United States and the Middle East, bringing the French style to a prestigious clientele. 

Régis Mathieu's exceptional collection of over 1000 chandeliers are showcased in both the Mathieu Museum in the Luberon and the Régis Mathieu Gallery in Paris. The objects of light are always presented alongside works of art, inviting you to take a walk through time from the 15th century to modern day.

The lighting of historic monuments, museums, and venerable homes often suffers from the scars of time, revolution or the reversal of fortune. The Mathieu Lustrerie atelier is capable of authentically re-fabricating exactly, any light fixture to the specification of the archives, drawings or photos.