Artist: BERNARD VILLEMOT (1911-1989)
Size: 27 5/8 x 39 1/8 in./70.2 x 99.3 cm
Condition: A.
Printer: Éditions le Carrousel, Paris
Reference: Bon Salle, 237
Key Words: Modern; Aviation; Travel

TAI. 1953.
Villemot illustrates the moment French colonial outposts became exotic tourist destinations. This incredible, rare design for TAI—the Compagnie de Transport Aeriens Intercontinentaux—gives the illusion of a swirling globe full of travel possibilities. TAI began as a charter airline in June 1946 in association with the Messageries Maritime Shipping Company, with its first flights departing in July of that year. The enterprise merged with the Union de Transports Aériens in 1963. The Douglas DC-6 was one of the first airplanes to fly a regularly scheduled around-the-world route, and its list of destinations at left is enough alone to inspire adventure, from Bangkok to Casablanca to Saigon and beyond.