One of the most exciting art projects of our time – “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped” by Christo and Jeanne Claude – is now finally close to its realisation in Paris. The mammoth project, which was originally conceived by Christo 60 years ago, is relying on the coordinated efforts of a large team of experts in their respective fields to ensure perfection in its execution, right down to the smallest fold. Gleistein was given responsibility for the development and manufacture of the ropes being used to affix 25,000 m² of blue fabric to the Arc de Triomphe. Together with the team, all required lengths were meticulously determined, the ropes tested to comply with special specifications, elongation characteristics adjusted and colours coordinated during extensive preliminary work and careful calculation. In total, Gleistein has supplied approximately 3,000 metres of fire-retardant, bright red rope with correspondingly coloured fittings for the project that can be admired in Paris from 18 September until 3 October 2021.

With their striking, unforgettable temporary installations, Christo and Jeanne-Claude carved out their unique niche in the international art scene. Ropes often played a major role in these, and “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped” is no exception. The project is in direct relationship with several previous Christo and Jeanne-Claude installations, including Berlin’s “Wrapped Reichstag”, which in 1995 became a celebrated symbol of the recent German reunification. Back then, Gleistein was chosen as the perfect partner for the development and manufacture of the ropes – just as it also was in 2013 at the Oberhausen Gasometer in Germany for the “Big Air Package”. Neither Christo nor Jeanne-Claude have lived to see “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped” accomplished, however Christo expressed his will the project would be realised even after his death.

Klaus Walther, Managing Director at Gleistein: “I had the pleasure of meeting Christo in Bremen in 1995 when he visited us on the occasion of the ‘Wrapped Reichstag’. An impressive man with very clear ideas. I was thrilled when we were contacted again to be a part of ‘L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped’ and even more so to learn that many of those who did it together 26 years ago are doing it together this time again. We put extra special effort into delivering truly perfect performance in this project and thereby helping to make it as beautiful an experience for Paris as the ‘Wrapped Reichstag’ was for Berlin.”

 

About Gleistein

Gleistein has been manufacturing ropes since 1824 and is the oldest family industrial company in Bremen (Germany). Together with its Trencin (Slovakia) plant the company boasts two of the most modern rope manufacturing facilities in the world with a total production area of more than 19,000m². Modern chemical fibres, sophisticated designs and future-oriented rope finishing equipment and procedures offer a definite direct benefit for the customer. Gleistein offers a complete service, supports its customers with industry-leading know-how and assists in selecting the perfect rope – whatever the need. Ready-to-use finishing of products, execution of contracted tests and the development of tailor-made solutions round out the comprehensive range of services. Not willing to wait for market or political pressure, Gleistein takes a proactive approach to ensure the implementation of the highest standards for resource-conscious and ethically responsible production and use of its products. The conversion to green electricity and establishment of our own combined heat and power station in 2013, recognition as being the first “Climate Protection Company CO2-20” by the state government of Bremen in 2015, waste avoidance through outstanding product longevity, on-site vehicle charging stations to promote e-mobility as well as the settlement of bee colonies on the company premises are clear examples of this, as is being the world’s first major rope manufacturer to completely convert to bio-based Dyneema®. www.gleistein.com

 Download press kit 

Press contact:

Andreas Linder
Geo. Gleistein & Sohn GmbH
Heidlerchenstrasse 7
28777 Bremen, Germany
+49 (0)421 69049-0
linder @ gleistein.com

One of the most exciting art projects of our time – “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped” by Christo and Jeanne Claude – is now finally close to its realisation in Paris. The mammoth project, which was originally conceived by Christo 60 years ago, is relying on the coordinated efforts of a large team of experts in their respective fields to ensure perfection in its execution, right down to the smallest fold. Gleistein was given responsibility for the development and manufacture of the ropes being used to affix 25,000 m² of blue fabric to the Arc de Triomphe. Together with the team, all required lengths were meticulously determined, the ropes tested to comply with special specifications, elongation characteristics adjusted and colours coordinated during extensive preliminary work and careful calculation. In total, Gleistein has supplied approximately 3,000 metres of fire-retardant, bright red rope with correspondingly coloured fittings for the project that can be admired in Paris from 18 September until 3 October 2021.

With their striking, unforgettable temporary installations, Christo and Jeanne-Claude carved out their unique niche in the international art scene. Ropes often played a major role in these, and “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped” is no exception. The project is in direct relationship with several previous Christo and Jeanne-Claude installations, including Berlin’s “Wrapped Reichstag”, which in 1995 became a celebrated symbol of the recent German reunification. Back then, Gleistein was chosen as the perfect partner for the development and manufacture of the ropes – just as it also was in 2013 at the Oberhausen Gasometer in Germany for the “Big Air Package”. Neither Christo nor Jeanne-Claude have lived to see “L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped” accomplished, however Christo expressed his will the project would be realised even after his death.

Klaus Walther, Managing Director at Gleistein: “I had the pleasure of meeting Christo in Bremen in 1995 when he visited us on the occasion of the ‘Wrapped Reichstag’. An impressive man with very clear ideas. I was thrilled when we were contacted again to be a part of ‘L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped’ and even more so to learn that many of those who did it together 26 years ago are doing it together this time again. We put extra special effort into delivering truly perfect performance in this project and thereby helping to make it as beautiful an experience for Paris as the ‘Wrapped Reichstag’ was for Berlin.”

 

About Gleistein

Gleistein has been manufacturing ropes since 1824 and is the oldest family industrial company in Bremen (Germany). Together with its Trencin (Slovakia) plant the company boasts two of the most modern rope manufacturing facilities in the world with a total production area of more than 19,000m². Modern chemical fibres, sophisticated designs and future-oriented rope finishing equipment and procedures offer a definite direct benefit for the customer. Gleistein offers a complete service, supports its customers with industry-leading know-how and assists in selecting the perfect rope – whatever the need. Ready-to-use finishing of products, execution of contracted tests and the development of tailor-made solutions round out the comprehensive range of services. Not willing to wait for market or political pressure, Gleistein takes a proactive approach to ensure the implementation of the highest standards for resource-conscious and ethically responsible production and use of its products. The conversion to green electricity and establishment of our own combined heat and power station in 2013, recognition as being the first “Climate Protection Company CO2-20” by the state government of Bremen in 2015, waste avoidance through outstanding product longevity, on-site vehicle charging stations to promote e-mobility as well as the settlement of bee colonies on the company premises are clear examples of this, as is being the world’s first major rope manufacturer to completely convert to bio-based Dyneema®. www.gleistein.com

 Download press kit 

Press contact:

Andreas Linder
Geo. Gleistein & Sohn GmbH
Heidlerchenstrasse 7
28777 Bremen, Germany
+49 (0)421 69049-0
linder @ gleistein.com