Galerie Delalande - Custom-made stand for pocket terrestrial globes

Nature of the project for this type of object

Creating custom bases for pocket terrestrial globes.

Anna and Eric Delalande asked us to consider creating a simple, easily reproducible custom base for pocket terrestrial globes.

Galerie Delalande is an antique gallery located in the Carré Rive Gauche district in Paris and specializes in antique marine objects.

Regarding terrestrial globes, to our knowledge, no base had been created for this type of object. It was therefore necessary to invent a new display method. The originality of this project lies in the different sizes of rods which bring dynamism to the entire support system. The challenge was to present the open object stably.

The terrestrial globe presented without its base, i.e. two distinct pieces, each facet of which has undeniable visual interest.

The pocket terrestrial globe: A ceremonial object for the wealthiest, it developed throughout Europe. The fashion for pocket globes peaked between the 18th and 19th centuries.

Our presentation solution La Bulle

After studying the object and discussing with Galerie Delalande, we developed a two-level base. The lowest level will accommodate the terrestrial globe. It will be delicately held by a four-pronged base while the upper part will receive the open case thanks to two support rods. Rectangular steel base painted matte black.

The advantage of this custom base is that it can be reproduced without problems and also adapt to the shape of each terrestrial globe thanks to the use of flexible steel.

Final result of our custom base

All parts of the terrestrial globes are visible. These supports allow for easy handling of the objects and a complete overview.

Do you have a project for a base for one of your objects, even one with a difficult shape to present?

History and meaning of the pocket globe

Fashion and ceremonial object

Pocket terrestrial globes are fashion and ceremonial objects that appeared in France and England between the 17th and 18th centuries. These objects of great refinement show the importance placed at the time on geography and science. The pocket globes we saw at Galerie Delalande were of rare beauty. Generally, the globe, i.e. the sphere, represents the known lands as well as the oceans, while the inside of the globe's case represents the constellations or the solar system.

All this was based on the knowledge of the time. Pocket globes, easy to transport, were shown during social gatherings. It is even said that "glory" went to those who had the most up-to-date terrestrial globe.

Composition of a pocket terrestrial globe

Most of the time, the pocket globe consists of a spherical part representing the earth, this sphere is covered with painted paper slices assembled next to each other. The inside of the case adopts the same process while the outside is covered with shagreen leather.

These objects testify to the desire of men and women to always know more about the world around them. And art galleries like Anna and Eric Delalande's allow us to understand our past history.