French tire company Michelin has been around for a very long time. This is probably why their pudgy white mascot Bibendum is now intrinsically part of cycling graphic design. We are all familiar with his layered tire appearance, but we may be less acquainted with the history of the brand. It is actually one of the oldest in the world.
In 1997, Olivier Darmon published a definitive Michelin history. The book is called Le Grand Siècle de Bibendum (The Michelin Man: 100 Years of Bibendum). Somehow we just can not help but smile when looking at Bib. We wish he still smoked though – as with everything, he was way cooler back then.
Advertising art and vintage posters of Michelin over the years.
****Advertising Age describes the Michelin Man advertising in glowing terms. Introduced in 1897, the Michelin Man was an idea conceived by Edouard Michelin.
Michelin Advertising Poster from 1897. Author anonymous, France.
** A 1898 poster by O’Galop of Bibendum, the Michelin Man.**
Michelin Vintage Bicycle Poster from 1899. Author O’Galop, France.
Advertising poster for Michelin from 1903. Author O’Galop, France.
Advertising poster Michelin Indechirable Indien from 1908. Author Fraikin.
Advertising poster for Cycle Race Velodrome from 1910.
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Advertising poster from 1910. Author O’Gallop, sold for 950 euro.
Advertising poster for Michelin from 1912. Author H. L. Roowy, France.
Advertising poster for Michelin from 1912. Author **H. L. Roowy, France.**
Michelin Poster from 1913. Author O’Gallop.
Michelin Poster from 1915. A**uthor anonymous.
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Michelin Enveloppe Velo from 1916. Author Fabiano.
North African Michelin Tire Tour Poster from 1916. Author Bernard Villemot.
Italian Michelin Poster from 1920.
Advertising poster for Michelin. Author **H. L. Roowy, France.**
