Griffon poster – Jean Matet – 1910 Vintage Cycles Poster

Griffon poster – Jean Matet – 1910 Vintage Cycles Poster This superb vintage Griffon poster from 1910 advertises the full range of products from the legendary French bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer, Griffon. Created by the talented artist Jean Matel, this Griffon poster is a vibrant piece of history, showcasing a delightful scene that captures the spirit of the early 20th century. A must-have for any collector, this Griffon poster beautifully blends artistry with a rich, historical narrative. The Vintage Griffon Poster Design The core of this vintage Griffon poster is a charming and idyllic picnic scene set in the French countryside. The warm, inviting colours of this Griffon poster draw the eye to a group of family and friends gathered on a lush, green hill. A feast is spread out on a blanket, with a large pie, thick German sausage, a crusty baguette, and fresh tomatoes. The scene is completed with bottles of beer and champagne, ready to be enjoyed. The artist has masterfully woven the company’s products into the landscape of this Griffon poster, with three adult bicycles and one child’s bike scattered around the picnickers. A three-wheeled car, or trivoiturette, is also visible, hinting at the breadth of the company’s offerings. A History of the Griffon Company The Griffon company was founded in Paris in 1898 by Eugène Peugeot, initially as one of the earliest bicycle manufacturers. Griffon quickly embraced the power of colour posters to advertise its expanding product line. The company’s business grew significantly when it began producing motorcycles in 1902. The first model was a bicycle frame fitted with a Zédel engine. This initial success at a time when competition was rife led to a rapid expansion of the company’s range. Griffon’s Racing Success By 1903, just a year after its first motorcycle was built, Griffon presented ten different models at the prestigious Paris Show. The company’s machines quickly gained a reputation for both quality and speed. The cybermotorcycle website highlights that “Racing success followed, and in 1904 one of their machines achieved the then astonishing speed of 110 km/h (65 mph).” This record-breaking achievement, fuelled by both factory team riders and privateers, cemented Griffon’s dominance in the early motorcycling world. The Evolution and Legacy of Griffon By 1905, the Griffon factory in Courbevoie had expanded, employing 300 people and manufacturing a wide variety of models, including single and twin-cylinder motorcycles as well as trivoiturettes. Although the company declined over time, its legacy continued. After the separation of Peugeot Cycles and Automobiles, Griffon was revived in the 1950s as part of the France Motor Cycle (FMC) company. Peugeot continued to build motorcycles under the Griffon brand until at least 1956, ensuring that the Griffon name remained a part of motorcycling history. The Griffon poster remains as a beautiful tribute to this rich heritage.