An anniversary that awakens a myth
What if a single ship could embody French genius?
On May 29, 1935, at 6:27 PM, the liner SS Normandie left Le Havre on its maiden voyage to New York. An extraordinary liner. A manifesto of elegance, speed and innovation. A floating dream.
90 years later, the myth continues to fascinate. Art Deco in all its splendor. Uncompromising luxury.
So, on the 90th anniversary of her maiden voyage, it’s time to delve into the history of this legendary ship… And to highlight Jean Perzel‘s essential contribution to its brilliance.
Why Perzel aboard the Normandie?
Because nothing was left to chance and lighting was part of its prestige.
And because Jean Perzel was already a reference at the time. As early as the 1920s, his innovative approach, combining functionality and aesthetics, was winning over renowned architects and decorators.
His style? Sleek, modern, elegant.
His materials? Sandblasted and cut glass, bronze, all noble and luxurious materials.
His mission? To create a soft, functional light that’s always spectacular.
The Normandie’s decorators knew what they were doing. They enlisted one of the greatest master glassmakers of the era. And the effect was stunning.
Custom fixtures for a one-of-a-kind liner
Jean Perzel was commissioned to illuminate many areas aboard the SS Normandie, adding his unique touch to the ship’s ambiance. His lighting fixtures can be found in halls, lounges, luxury apartments, dining rooms and more. Where refinement should be seen… and felt.
A few emblematic pieces:
Each piece was designed for its space, its purpose, and the passengers’ visual comfort. Nothing ostentatious. Everything in perfect harmony.
The Normandie: more than a ship, an icon
On May 29, 1935, its 1,261 passengers and 1,439 crew discovered a ship at the pinnacle of modernity.
The SS Normandie, in addition to being a “French dream”, was the largest ocean liner in the world. 313 meters long. An avant-garde design. But also exceptional performance! It won the Blue Ribbon in 1937 for the fastest transatlantic crossing!
But what really stood out was its interior.
Marble lounges, Aubusson carpets, signed furniture, exceptional lighting…
The French art de vivre. A floating manifesto of French luxury and design.
A tragedy, but a legacy untarnished
The dream was short-lived.
Requisitioned by the Americans during the war, the Normandie became the USS Lafayette. Three years later, in 1942, a fire put an end to its epic journey.
Yet its aura remains intact.
The Normandie liner became a symbol, a milestone in design history.
And Jean Perzel’s fixtures are its silent witnesses.
And what about today? Perzel perpetuates the light of the Normandie
The luminaire models designed for the liner are still made in our workshop. By hand. Faithful to the original spirit, perpetuating and preserving a unique savoir-faire.
These creations are now considered masterpieces of Art Deco design.
In contemporary apartments, villas, mansions, luxury hotels…
Far from the sea, yet still radiating the same brilliance.
Celebrating 90 years of light and elegance
The 90th anniversary of the Normandie liner’s maiden voyage is an opportunity to pay tribute to this Art Deco masterpiece and to those who contributed to its splendor.
A powerful memory. A vision of French luxury. And above all, a lesson in style: the balance between functionality and beauty.
Jean Perzel‘s talent and vision played a key role in creating an unrivalled lighting ambience on board the ship. His legacy continues to inspire and illuminate the most refined interiors.
At the Atelier Jean Perzel, we believe that light is an interior architecture in itself.
The SS Normandie understood that.
🔗 Explore further :
→ Rediscover our article on the lighting fixtures on the Normandie liner
→ Discover the models still made today
