Lucien Boucher

Original planisphere for Air France worldwide air network by Lucien Boucher

Circa 1950

1889 - 1971 Known by Air France as Mr. Planosphere, he created these designs between 1934 - 1962. Beginning around 1935, Lucien Boucher designed an impressive stream of posters for Air France that continued until he was well into his seventies. [PAI-XXII, 220] This artist is known mainly for a series of absorbing Air France world map posters that signal a global theatre. Lucien Boucher launched his design career tuned to the commercial promise of Surrealism. Born in Chartre, he studied at the École de Céramique de Sèvres. He debuted at the Salon d'Automne in 1921, becoming a member in 1923; he also exhibited at the Salon de l'Araignée from 1924-1930. Boucher also made wood engravings, drawings in watercolor and gouache, and lithographs. Lucien Boucher's witty and charming color lithographs Lucien Boucher launched his design career at the Ceramique de Sevres and made his debut at the Salon d'Automne in 1921, becoming a member in 1923: he also exhibited at the Salon de L'Araignée from 1924-1930. Besides lithographs, Boucher also created wood engravings and drawings in watercolor. Beginning around 1935, Boucher designed an impressive series of posters for Air France that he continued producing until he was well into his seventies. Boucher is known mainly for his absorbing Air France poster designs, known as "Monsieur Planisphere" (planispheres are flattened representations of planet Earth). He created a variety of illustrated World Maps that depicted the global flight routes serviced by the airline.