Dormoy Henry (1 results)

No Binding. Condition: Very Good. Watercolour on paper mounted on linen 98 x 70cm in modern frame 105 x 75cm, signed and dated H. Dormoy 1925 in the lower right corner. This is an original, unpublished poster design. A partially obscured figure resting one hand on the globe, is propelling an aircraft towards Baghdad with the other. The cities along the route are labelled in French. The timing is curious, as Imperial Airways had not yet taken over the route to Baghdad that was being established by the RAF (1926). The route drawn by Dormoy thus appears to be speculative. The omission of Cairo at this point is not so surprising, as it pre-dates Alan Cobham's route proving expedition from the UK to Cape Town during 16 Nov 1925 - 13 Mar 1926. It was not obvious at this stage that Cairo would become the hub it did, with regular services from there to Basra commencing 12 Jan 1927. Instead, Imperial's thinking was to operate along the north coast of the Mediterranean, avoiding the need to fly any significant distance over water, and not too far north as to run the risk of trouble in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. Additionally, weather considerations meant that certain routes would only be viable in Summer. City names being in French would suggest it was intended for the French market, or simply commissioned as a draft in the artist's native language. Dormoy is recorded as producing poster and leaflet art for other air, rail and maritime companies, such as Air Afrique, Air France, Air Union, Paris-Lyon-Mediterannee Railways, and the French Navy.