Vintage French Illustrations order | French Line Dinner Menus | SS Flandre Cruise Ship Menus | Jean A Mercer | October 1960.

FRENCH LINE TRANSATLANTIC Dinner Menus from the SS Flandre - October 1960.

The SS Flandre was built by Ateliers et Chantiers de France in Dunkirk as yard number 206. She was launched on 31 October 1951 and completed in 1952.
Her registered length was 581.6 ft (177.3 m), her beam was 80.2 ft (24.4 m) and her depth was 43.7 ft (13.3 m). As built, her tonnages were 20,469 GRT and 10,353 NRT.

Compagnie Generale Transatlantique registered Flandre at Le Havre. Her call sign was FNRY.
Flandre was the CGT's first new ocean liner since World War II. She began her maiden voyage on 23 July 1952

There are 14 large menu cards (32 x 24 cms) held within a folder entitled Compagnie Generale Transatlantique French Line.

In addition, the inside of the front sleeve holds a 45RPM disc Nos Vielles Chansons". It has a delightful central illustration - not sure how well it would play as its dusty and has scratches.

Each of the cards is adorned by stunning colourful illustrations by Jean A Mercier. Each bears a different title, for example, Le Furet, L'Alouette etc......

Jean A. Mercier (1899-1955) was a former student of Regional School of Fine Arts in Angers. He studied under Master Charles Berjole Art Deco Style of Art. He began his career creating movie posters and advertising. From 1925-1939 he created over 110 posters working for famous movie directors such as Jean Renoir, Abel Gance Sacha. He was known for his Billboards including being the artistic director of the house of Cointreau Liquor.

The inside centrefold of 7 of the cards shows the food menu delights that were on offer to the passengers. The inside of the others is blank.
The back of the cards shows a music sheet corresponding to the title on the front of the menu cards

One of the cards is from a different date / ship - Circa 1965. - Shows a maiden and a rose.

Fabulous condition for age - bold bright colours no tears, pages are aged, there is a order blue ink splodge to the top corner of one of the menus - this is not on the actual illustration.

These are simply stunning - Would be delightful framed or as a special souvenir for a foodie or anyone who loves nautical memorabilia.