Cherry Blossom Bookmark and Calendar
c. 1889The Cherry Blossom Bookmark was likely a promotional bookmark exhibiting a snapshot of early branding and publicity techniques, tying together air travel and consumer products. The text on bookmark reads: CHERRY BLOSSOM BOOK MARK, Perfume Toilet Powder & Soap. There is an illustration of a hot air balloon shaped like a perfume bottle, marked CHERRY BLOSSOM-John Gosnell & Co. London and Paris." This was a marketing stunt by John Gosnell and Co. to advertise their Cherry Blossom range. The company was famous for its advertising techniques. This hot air balloon promotional event was reported in French Newspaper 'Le Figaro' on 7th September 1898. The Newspaper started in 1826 and is still in circulation today. Text on bookmark in French: LE FIGARO, 7-9-89, L’ascension du ballon-flacon”le Cherry Blossom” a parfaitement reussi. Parti de Grenelle apres avoir attaint 2,800 meters d’altitude il est tombe pres de Vellsy, en Seine-et-Oise. That translates in English as: 'The ascent of the Cherry Blossom balloon was a complete success. After reaching an altitude of 2,800 meters, it took off from Grenelle and landed near Vellsy in Seine-et-Oise.' The distance between Grenelle (Paris) to Vélizy-Vixy (in Seine-et-Oise) is approximately 15 Km. Grenelle is a district in Paris known historically for balloon ascents. The back of the bookmark has two calendars: One for 1890 and one for 1891. Each month is boxed with days of the week marked clearly.
Details
Details
Copyright and Reference
Copyright and Reference
Courtesy of City of Gosnells Museum at Wilkinson Homestead
City of Gosnells Museum - Wilkinson Homestead
City of Gosnells Museum - Wilkinson Homestead
Other items from City of Gosnells Museum - Wilkinson Homestead
- Gosnell's Fragrant Face Powder label (red)
- Gosnell's Fragrant Face Powder label (purple)
- Gosnell's Fragrant Face powder label (brown)
- Eau de Cologne label
- Persian Otto Perfume label
- Gosnell's Famora Toilet Soap Wrapper
- John Gosnell's & Co. Trademark label
- Gosnell's Cherry Blossom Lotion label
- Carnation, Gosnell's Blossom Series label
- Carnation, Gosnell's Blossom Series label