Rare Old Surrealist World Map by Boucher, 1950: Air France Air Routes, Cultural Scenes, Sea Creatures
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Made in the UK
Restored from the original 1950 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Read the story behind this map
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
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Introducing the exquisite "Sur Les Ailes D'Air France Decouvrez Le Monde A Votre Tour," a captivating world map created by the renowned...
Continue readingIntroducing the exquisite "Sur Les Ailes D'Air France Decouvrez Le Monde A Votre Tour," a captivating world map created by the renowned French artist Lucien Boucher in 1950. This map is a testament to Boucher's artistic prowess and his long-standing collaboration with Air France, for whom he designed numerous travel posters. The map not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a visual celebration of the burgeoning era of global air travel in the mid-20th century. Boucher's work, deeply influenced by the commercial promise of Surrealism, is evident in the vibrant and imaginative illustrations that adorn this piece.
Lucien Boucher's map is a thematic and pictorial marvel, showcasing Air France's extensive air routes that connected the world in the post-World War II era. The map highlights the airline's global reach, with routes crisscrossing continents and oceans, symbolizing the dawn of a new age in international travel. The detailed inset map of Europe and North Africa further emphasizes the airline's strategic routes in these regions, making it a valuable historical document of aviation history.
The design and style of this map are nothing short of breathtaking. Boucher's artistic flair is evident in the decorative illustrations that frame the map, depicting people and scenes from various cultures around the world. The map features a vibrant color palette and intricate details, including mythical sea creatures, ships, and airplanes traversing the oceans. The decorative compass rose at the top center adds a touch of elegance, while the sun illustrations in the oceans enhance the map's aesthetic appeal.
This map is not just a visual delight but also a rich source of historical context. It captures the essence of the mid-20th century, a time when air travel was becoming increasingly accessible and Air France was at the forefront of this revolution. The mapmaker, Lucien Boucher, brought his unique artistic vision to this piece, blending cartographic precision with imaginative illustrations. His background in Surrealism and his experience in designing for Air France are evident in the map's captivating design.
The "Sur Les Ailes D'Air France Decouvrez Le Monde A Votre Tour" map is a remarkable piece of art and history. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era when air travel was a symbol of progress and adventure. The map's detailed depiction of continents, countries, and air routes, along with its decorative elements, makes it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage maps and aviation history. This map is not just a representation of geographical locations but a celebration of the spirit of exploration and the wonders of the world as seen through the eyes of Lucien Boucher.
Countries and regions on this map
- Continents:
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Africa
- Asia
- Australia
- Countries and regions:
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Argentina
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- North Africa (including countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
- Middle East (including countries like Saudi Arabia)
- India
- China
- Japan
- Australia
- Various islands in the Pacific Ocean
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Smaller inset maps or additional illustrations:
- A detailed inset map showing Air France’s routes in Europe and North Africa, located at the bottom center of the map.
- Decorative illustrations around the borders depicting people and scenes from various cultures around the world.
- Bodies of water:
- Grand Océan du Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
- Océan Atlantique (Atlantic Ocean)
- Océan Indien (Indian Ocean)
- Sea, road, and rail routes:
- Air routes of Air France are prominently marked across the map.
- Other interesting features:
- Illustrations of ships and airplanes traversing the oceans.
- Decorative compass rose at the top center.
- Illustrations of mythical sea creatures in the oceans.
- Sun illustrations in the oceans.
Historical and design context
- Name of the map: Air France - Sur Les Ailes D'Air France Decouvrez Le Monde A Votre Tour
- Creation date: 1950
- Mapmaker or publisher: Lucien Boucher
- Interesting context about the mapmaker: Lucien Boucher was a French artist known for his travel posters for Air France. He began designing for Air France around 1935 and continued until his seventies. Boucher's work is noted for its Surrealist influence and decorative style.
- Topics and themes shown on the map:
- Air routes: The map shows Air France’s air routes around the world.
- Illustrations: Beautiful illustrations of people and scenes from around the world.
- Design style: The map is thematic and pictorial, adorned with decorative illustrations.
- Design or style context: The map is characterized by a decorative and pictorial style, reflecting the commercial promise of Surrealism. It includes vibrant illustrations and a detailed depiction of Air France's global routes.
- Historical significance: This map represents the post-World War II era of aviation and the expansion of global air travel. It highlights the importance of Air France in connecting different parts of the world during the mid-20th century.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Introducing the exquisite "Sur Les Ailes D'Air France Decouvrez Le Monde A Votre Tour," a captivating world map created by the renowned French artist Lucien Boucher in 1950. This map is a testament to Boucher's artistic prowess and his long-standing collaboration with Air France, for whom he designed numerous travel posters. The map not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a visual celebration of the burgeoning era of global air travel in the mid-20th century. Boucher's work, deeply influenced by the commercial promise of Surrealism, is evident in the vibrant and imaginative illustrations that adorn this piece.
Lucien Boucher's map is a thematic and pictorial marvel, showcasing Air France's extensive air routes that connected the world in the post-World War II era. The map highlights the airline's global reach, with routes crisscrossing continents and oceans, symbolizing the dawn of a new age in international travel. The detailed inset map of Europe and North Africa further emphasizes the airline's strategic routes in these regions, making it a valuable historical document of aviation history.
The design and style of this map are nothing short of breathtaking. Boucher's artistic flair is evident in the decorative illustrations that frame the map, depicting people and scenes from various cultures around the world. The map features a vibrant color palette and intricate details, including mythical sea creatures, ships, and airplanes traversing the oceans. The decorative compass rose at the top center adds a touch of elegance, while the sun illustrations in the oceans enhance the map's aesthetic appeal.
This map is not just a visual delight but also a rich source of historical context. It captures the essence of the mid-20th century, a time when air travel was becoming increasingly accessible and Air France was at the forefront of this revolution. The mapmaker, Lucien Boucher, brought his unique artistic vision to this piece, blending cartographic precision with imaginative illustrations. His background in Surrealism and his experience in designing for Air France are evident in the map's captivating design.
The "Sur Les Ailes D'Air France Decouvrez Le Monde A Votre Tour" map is a remarkable piece of art and history. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era when air travel was a symbol of progress and adventure. The map's detailed depiction of continents, countries, and air routes, along with its decorative elements, makes it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage maps and aviation history. This map is not just a representation of geographical locations but a celebration of the spirit of exploration and the wonders of the world as seen through the eyes of Lucien Boucher.
Countries and regions on this map
- Continents:
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Africa
- Asia
- Australia
- Countries and regions:
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Argentina
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- North Africa (including countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
- Middle East (including countries like Saudi Arabia)
- India
- China
- Japan
- Australia
- Various islands in the Pacific Ocean
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Smaller inset maps or additional illustrations:
- A detailed inset map showing Air France’s routes in Europe and North Africa, located at the bottom center of the map.
- Decorative illustrations around the borders depicting people and scenes from various cultures around the world.
- Bodies of water:
- Grand Océan du Pacifique (Pacific Ocean)
- Océan Atlantique (Atlantic Ocean)
- Océan Indien (Indian Ocean)
- Sea, road, and rail routes:
- Air routes of Air France are prominently marked across the map.
- Other interesting features:
- Illustrations of ships and airplanes traversing the oceans.
- Decorative compass rose at the top center.
- Illustrations of mythical sea creatures in the oceans.
- Sun illustrations in the oceans.
Historical and design context
- Name of the map: Air France - Sur Les Ailes D'Air France Decouvrez Le Monde A Votre Tour
- Creation date: 1950
- Mapmaker or publisher: Lucien Boucher
- Interesting context about the mapmaker: Lucien Boucher was a French artist known for his travel posters for Air France. He began designing for Air France around 1935 and continued until his seventies. Boucher's work is noted for its Surrealist influence and decorative style.
- Topics and themes shown on the map:
- Air routes: The map shows Air France’s air routes around the world.
- Illustrations: Beautiful illustrations of people and scenes from around the world.
- Design style: The map is thematic and pictorial, adorned with decorative illustrations.
- Design or style context: The map is characterized by a decorative and pictorial style, reflecting the commercial promise of Surrealism. It includes vibrant illustrations and a detailed depiction of Air France's global routes.
- Historical significance: This map represents the post-World War II era of aviation and the expansion of global air travel. It highlights the importance of Air France in connecting different parts of the world during the mid-20th century.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
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