Offered here is a vintage pair of French Modernist Model ‘CP1’ wall lights, designed by Charlotte Perriand, edited by Galerie Steph Simon, Paris (originally) and produced by SCE (Société Constructions Electriques) in the 1960s/70s.
Designed by iconic French modernist Charlotte Perriand in the 1960s, these all-metal CP1 wall lights reflect her signature blend of function and refined minimalism. Created for the Les Arcs winter resort (her magnum Opus) in the French Alps, where she oversaw the architectural and urban design of Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 resorts, creating the interiors and entire outfitting down to cutlery and china for the more than 4,500 apartments.
This original variant of the CP1, designed for Arc 1600, features a sleek, adjustable flap to direct light while maintaining a clean, architectural form. These CP1 examples bear the sought-after SCE (Société de Création Esthétique) label, marking them as the original French production. Likely distributed through the influential Steph Simon Galerie — known for championing the work of Perriand, Le Corbusier, and Jean Prouvé — these lights embody the spirit of postwar modernism at its finest. Timeless and rare, they’re a true collector’s piece with design heritage baked in.
The lights are made of white enamelled steel, with the front of the adjustable reflector, sides, and ends painted in black, and they can be mounted horizontally or vertically. They’re in good vintage condition, showing expected age-related wear and marks commensurate with over 65 years of use, and remain fully functional. Despite these minor signs of age, they retain their full impact, charm, and functional presence. A rare and iconic design with an authentic patina — see photos and video for visual reference.
Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999) emerged as a pioneering force in French design in her early twenties, undeterred by the gender barriers of the era. After studying under Maurice Dufrêne, she gained early recognition at the 1925 Exposition Internationale and the 1927 Salon d’Automne. That same year, she began a decade-long collaboration with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, co-creating iconic modernist pieces like the B306 Chaise Longue, part of their vision for functional “equipment for living.” Post–World War II, Perriand partnered with Jean Prouvé, merging his industrial bent-steel forms with her affinity for the warmth and organic feel of natural wood, helping to define a new era of modern furniture design. Today, her work is celebrated for its timeless blend of utility and elegance, and her trailblazing career continues to inspire generations of designers who challenge convention and champion innovation.
For reference, some Steph Simon CP1 models from this era incorporated both metal and plastic elements. The use of plastic in certain components may have been a design choice or a manufacturing consideration. Therefore, while many Steph Simon editions were made entirely of metal, some versions did include plastic parts. Those ‘plastic’ versions, though more scarce, were, however, less sleek and elegant than the all-metal original versions.
Please note that these are original vintage lights and not the “Applique à Volet Pivotant” edited by Nemo Lighting, which are currently available, new, in stores and online.
We currently have 3 pairs listed: a pair of red ones, another set in yellow, and this black pair. Please see our other listings if you’re interested in purchasing more than a single pair.
Measuring 18 × 13 × 7 cm
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