Our lighting, from Rispal

Rispal was founded in 1924 in Paris by a low-key entrepreneur born in 1901, the son of wine merchants. Located at 172 Rue de Charonne in the 11th arrondissement, the company specialized in the manufacture of lighting fixtures. For nearly six decades, it produced a wide range of products, primarily in the classical style, before ceasing operations in 1982. The demolition of the buildings also marked the loss of the archives: blueprints, tools, and manufacturing documents vanished, taking with them a unique body of expertise. The name Rispal might have faded into obscurity had it not been for the deep devotion of enthusiasts to its creations.

Starting in the 1950s, the brand reached a decisive turning point with the launch of the “Formes Nouvelles” catalog, a true avant-garde manifesto. The catalog featured lighting fixtures with organic and bold lines, influenced by Scandinavian design and the biomorphic works of Jean Arp. The catalog’s modular approach allowed architects and interior designers to create their own pieces using a wide selection of interchangeable elements. The undisputed icon of this period remains the famous “praying mantis,” so nicknamed by design professionals, although Rispal never gave his models names—only reference numbers. Contrary to popular belief, these creations were not designed by a certain Jean Rispal, but rather by an in-house design studio within the company.

In the 2010s, Douglas Mont, a designer and passionate collector, took on the incredible challenge of reviving Rispal without any archives. After five years of research and technical reconstruction—particularly of the cellulose acetate lampshades—he brought the brand’s iconic lamps back to life. Today, Rispal lighting fixtures are entirely manufactured in France using sustainable materials such as ash, walnut, and oak, replacing the exotic woods used in the past. Partner artisans, many of whom hold the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) certification, ensure a high standard of excellence. Thanks to this meticulous revival, which remains faithful to the original spirit, Rispal has enjoyed renewed recognition in the design world, particularly among collectors, galleries, and interior designers.