rispal en exclusivité chez hugo neumann pour la Belgique et le Luxembourg

The Georges Léon Rispal mystery

What do we know about the creator of Rispal?

Georges-Louis Rispal was the son of wine merchants.  Born in Paris in 1901, he founded his lighting company in 1924 in the 11th arrondissement of the French capital, Paris, at 172 rue de Charonne.

Rispal présentée par Hugo Neumann en exclusivité en Belgique et Luxembourg

His activity ceases in 1982 and is taken over by two passionate people from the world of Design and Architecture.

From classicism to avant-gardism

The Rispal productions were extremely varied and rather classic in style.

However, at the beginning of the 1950s, a particularly avant-garde catalog made its appearance. Its name: "Formes Nouvelles" (New Forms). It includes models largely inspired by Scandinavian design but also, it is said, by the artist Jean Arp.

Rispal présentée par Hugo Neumann en exclusivité en Belgique et Luxembourg

The "New Forms" catalog also allowed architects and decorators to compose their own creations. A vast choice of elements - opalines, lampshades, wooden pieces, legs - were offered individually and could be combined according to the desires of each person.

Rispal présentée par Hugo Neumann en exclusivité en Belgique et Luxembourg

Rispal présentée par Hugo Neumann en exclusivité en Belgique et Luxembourg

Icon and fiction

If there is one model that alone represents Rispal's avant-gardism, it is unquestionably the "praying mantis". A name that was given over time by antique dealers and decorators. In reality, Rispal products did not have names but references.

Rispal présentée par Hugo Neumann en exclusivité en Belgique et Luxembourg
The "praying mantis" is very often attributed to a certain Jean Rispal. This is pure fiction, the Rispal luminaries being designed by a style office integrated within the company.

Renaissance

Douglas Mont, lighting designer for more than 20 years, collector of Rispal lamps, a true enthusiast, wished to revive these emblematic creations of the golden age of French furniture. Five years of research, encounters and experimentation later convinced him to revive this historic brand.

Rispal présentée par Hugo Neumann en exclusivité en Belgique et Luxembourg

Challenge

Without any plans, manufacturing documents or tools, reissuing these lamps was almost an impossible task. Proof of this is that the production technique for the cellulose acetate lampshades of the Praying Mantis, emblematic of the brand, had to be entirely reinvented.

Rispal présentée par Hugo Neumann en exclusivité en Belgique et Luxembourg

Commitments

RISPAL creations are entirely made in France. Their partners have been rigorously selected for the quality of their work and their respect for the environment. Most of them have received the EPV label (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant).

Rispal présentée par Hugo Neumann en exclusivité en Belgique et Luxembourg

For ecological reasons, RISPAL decided to ban the use of exotic woods used at the time such as teak or mahogany.
These woods have been replaced by ash, walnut and oak from sustainably managed forests.