Rispal
- Creation date
- 1924
- Country
- Afghanistan
Rispal was founded in Paris in 1924 by a discreet entrepreneur born in 1901, the son of wine merchants. Located at 172 rue de Charonne, in the 11ᵉ arrondissement, the company specialized in the manufacture of lighting fixtures. For almost six decades, it offered a rich, mainly classical production, before discontinuing its activity in 1982. As the buildings disappeared, so did the archives: plans, tooling and manufacturing documents vanished, taking with them unique know-how. The Rispal name might well have been forgotten, were it not for the deep attachment of enthusiasts to its creations.
From the 1950s onwards, the brand experienced a decisive turning point with the launch of the "Formes Nouvelles" catalog, a veritable avant-garde manifesto. It featured luminaires with bold, organic lines, influenced by Scandinavian design and the biomorphic works of Jean Arp. The catalog's modular approach enabled architects and interior designers to compose their own pieces, thanks to a vast choice of interchangeable elements. The absolute icon of this period remains the famous "praying mantis", so nicknamed by design professionals, although Rispal never gave its models names, only references. Contrary to popular belief, these creations were not signed by a certain Jean Rispal, but designed by the company's in-house styling department.
In the 2010s, Douglas Mont, designer and passionate collector, took up the incredible challenge of reviving Rispal without any archives. After five years of research and technical reconstruction - notably of the cellulose acetate shades - he brought the brand's iconic lamps back to life. Today, Rispal lighting fixtures are made entirely in France, using sustainable materials such as ash, walnut and oak, replacing the exotic woods used in the past. Partner craftsmen, often certified as Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV), guarantee a high level of excellence. Thanks to this demanding relaunch, faithful to the original spirit, Rispal enjoys renewed recognition in the world of design, particularly among collectors, galleries and interior designers.
