Michelin Man, originally uploaded by me.
Recently, I had occasion to celebrate another year of birth on the planet. A very good friend presented me with a framed poster that I am really quite fond of. It is an early advertisement featuring the Michelin Man.
After receiving it, I did a little research on the subject. The sign on the Michelin man’s back, loosely translated, says “The best and the least expensive.” The cigar was actually part of the Michelin man’s trademark at the time. Evidently, the Michelin man’s “name” is Bibendum, and he was introduced in 1898. The same artist who created him did this poster, sometime around 1910. His name is Marius Rossillon, but he used the name “O’Galop.” The Michelin man is said to be the world’s oldest trademark, and is of course still being used today.
This is a truly fascinating piece of history to me…and quite a frightening and intriguing figure! It’s a wonderful present, which I absolutely love. I found a spot for it right above the mantel.
