Guines Collection

Blanchard Flies Channel
Jean-Pierre Blanchard and Dr John Jefferies are the first people to cross the English Channel by air : their flight from Dover ends in the forest of Guines, near Andres

Blanchard Channel Cross
Jean-Pierre Blanchard and Dr John Jefferies are the first people to cross the English Channel by air : their flight from Dover ends in the forest of Guines, near Andres

First balloon crossing of English Channel, 7 January 1785 by Jean-Pierre Blanchard, French inventor
528362 First balloon crossing of English Channel, 7 January 1785 by Jean-Pierre Blanchard, French inventor, and American Dr John Jeffries from Dover to Guines, 2 hours 30 mins

The Field of the Cloth of Gold - Henry VIII and Francis I
The Meeting of King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of Francis at the Field of the Cloth of Gold or Camp du Drap d Or, the name given to a place in Balinghem, between Guines and Ardres

Cartoon of Felix Nadar, pioneer of aerial picture in 1858, here hanging from his balloon
541162 Cartoon of Felix Nadar, pioneer of aerial picture in 1858, here hanging from his balloon, 1867 (engraving) by Gill, Andre (1840-85); (add.info.: Cartoon by Andre Gill)

View of Guines, (1897), 1920s
View of Guines. The revolutionaries sent by Adolfo Castillo and Colonel Clemente Fernandez took over Guines on March 4, 1897

Nadar, pseudonym of Gaspard-Felix Tournachon, French journalist, artist and photographer. Nadar (1820-1910) was the first to take photographs from a balloon and the first to produce a photointerview

First balloon crossing of English Channel, 7 January 1785 by Jean-Pierre Blanchard, French inventor, and American Dr John Jeffries from Dover to Guines, 2 hours 30 mins. Chromolithograph c1883

Gill, Andre 1840 - 1885
Andre Gill (real name, Gosset de Guines) French caricaturist, credited with inventing the enlarged head technique used here

Andre Gill (Grevin)
ANDRE GILL (real name : Gosset de Guines) French caricaturist

Andre Gill (Meyer)
ANDRE GILL (real name : Gosset de Guines) French caricaturist

Blanchard Flies Channel2
Jean-Pierre Blanchard and Dr John Jefferies are the first people to cross the English Channel by air : their flight from Dover ends in the forest of Guines, near Andres

Andre Gill / Figaro Album
ANDRE GILL (real name : Gosset de Guines) French caricaturist

Andre Gill (Moloch)
ANDRE GILL (real name : Gosset de Guines) French caricaturist

Blanchard Crossing / Cig
Jean-Pierre Blanchard and Dr John Jefferies over the Channel, which they are the first people to cross by air, from Dover to the forest of Guines, near Andres

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"Exploring the Rich History of Guines: From Blanchard Flies Channel to Andre Gill's Artistic Legacy" Discover the captivating journey through time in Guines, a town steeped in history and remarkable achievements. The Blanchard Flies Channel stands as a testament to human ingenuity, marking the first balloon crossing of the English Channel on January 7, 1785 by Jean-Pierre Blanchard. This daring feat forever changed our perception of aerial travel. Intriguingly, it also witnessed another significant event known as the Blanchard Channel Cross. This extraordinary endeavor showcased bravery and determination as it pushed boundaries and expanded horizons. Transporting us further back in time is "The Field of the Cloth of Gold, " an iconic meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I that took place centuries ago. It symbolizes diplomacy, grandeur, and cultural exchange at its finest. Delving into artistry intertwined with aviation history brings us to Felix Nadar's cartoon from 1858. As a pioneer of aerial photography hanging from his balloon, Nadar captured moments that would shape our understanding of visual storytelling forever. A mesmerizing view awaits visitors in Guines through an enchanting photograph taken in 1897 but preserved for generations until the 1920s. This snapshot allows us to glimpse into a bygone era while appreciating how far we have come since then. Nadar himself was not only an accomplished photographer but also a French journalist and artist who adopted pseudonym Gaspard-Felix Tournachon. His multifaceted talents continue to inspire creatives worldwide even today. Andre Gill emerges as another prominent figure associated with Guines' rich heritage. Known for his artistic prowess displayed through various mediums such as cartoons and illustrations, he left an indelible mark on society during his lifetime (1840-1885). Whether under his pseudonyms Grevin or Meyer or featured prominently in the Figaro Album, Gill's work remains a testament to his brilliance.