Master craftsmen dedicated to excellence
For over a century, the Atelier Jean Perzel has perpetuated a unique heritage in the creation of exceptional lighting fixtures.
Behind each piece lies the talent and passion of our outstanding craftsmen, known as Compagnons du Devoir (Companions of duty). This is a prestigious French guild of master craftsmen who are dedicated to perfecting their craft through years of rigorous training, apprenticeship, and travel. This tradition has been passed down for generations, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Their expertise gives rise to timeless works of light, crafted with the same rigor since the Atelier Jean Perzel began in 1923. As Olivier Raidt, director of the Maison Perzel and grand-nephew of Jean Perzel, puts it so well:
“Nothing has changed, from the bronze to the glass, from the crystal to the diamond-cut… Everything is worked by hand: cutting, shaping, polishing, assembling, no glue, no screws, over two hundred patinas with jewel-like precision.”
But who are these behind-the-scenes craftsmen, these masters of the perfect gesture?
Rrahim, Master bronzemaker
For 27 years, Rrahim has been shaping bronze with incomparable dexterity. A true living memory of the Atelier Jean Perzel, he masters every stage in the transformation of this noble material: casting, brazing, adjusting, embossing, assembling… As a Master Bronzemaker, his expertise guarantees the finesse and solidity of Perzel lighting fixtures.
In this photo, he is performing high-precision drilling on a part destined for a vintage floor lamp. A task that requires patience and absolute rigor. Each hole is calculated to the millimetre, ensuring a perfect fit between the various parts of the luminaire.
Thomas, Master Glassmaker
For 19 years, Thomas has been sublimating glass and crystal, the signature elements of Perzel luminaires. From cutting to adjusting to sandblasting, he manipulates these materials with extreme precision, inherited from centuries-old knowledge. Each cut, each adjustment is the fruit of an intimate knowledge of glass, its reflections and its reactions to light.
In this image, Thomas is cutting a crystal cylinder with a diamond saw. Concentration is paramount to ensure a clean, precise cut.
Thanks to his expertise, each piece of glass is perfectly integrated into the luminaire’s structure, guaranteeing incomparable light propagation.
Souk, electrician: bringing light to life
For 26 years, Souk has orchestrated the assembly and electrification of luminaires with exceptional meticulousness. His role is essential: not only does he carry out the electrical assembly, but also the rigorous quality controls that guarantee the longevity of each creation.
In this image, he assembles the iconic lamp No. 509 bis in gold varnish, a model designed for the Cité Universitaire in 1928. A work that combines tradition and modernity.
Guillaume, bronze assembler
Guillaume joined the workshop 13 years ago. He excels in machining, mounting and assembling bronze parts. His expertise extends from brazing to finishing… A mission where every detail counts, to create luminaires of timeless elegance.
In the first image, he uses silver rod brazing to assemble a vintage ceiling light. This traditional technique guarantees invisible soldering and exceptional strength. More than a simple assembly, it’s the work of a goldsmith, requiring patience and precision.
In the second image, he is checking a bronze part machined with an abrasive belt at the shaping station, ensuring a perfect finish.
Antonio, painter-polisher
Antonio, with 10 years’ experience, is the guarantor of perfect finishes. His role goes far beyond simple polishing: he’s also an expert in patinas and surface treatments. Thanks to him, each luminaire takes on a unique shine, whether polished or matte, or in innovative shades such as blue, red or violet.
In this photo, he is polishing a brass part to a high-polish finish. This work requires a confident gesture, flawless regularity and constant attention to the smallest detail. His expertise results in exceptional finishes, whether shiny gold, black chrome or matte nickel.
A valuable legacy
These Compagnons du Devoir are not just technicians: they are artists.
Each of them, through his or her craft, contributes to the creation of exceptional lighting fixtures, true to the values of the Atelier Jean Perzel. The passion of these craftsmen is reflected in every gesture, every detail, every finish. Since 2008, the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, a prestigious French distinction, has recognized this excellence and passion. This label is awarded to French companies that preserve and promote exceptional traditional craftsmanship and expertise.
Thanks to these passionate craftsmen, the tradition lives on, and Perzel luminaires continue to light up the world’s most beautiful interiors. A living heritage, where the craftsman’s hand remains the first and most precious machine.
