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Signed Gus Bofa to the base with Rudge Whitworth inscription around the upper edge of the wheel. Dated around 1912 this publicity figure known as Speed Fool was crated by Gus Bofa for the Rudge-Whitworth Cycles company. Rudge-Whitworth was a British bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer that resulted from the merger of two bicycle manufacturers in 1894, one of which descended from the original bicycle company founded by Daniel Rudge. Rudge motorcycles were produced from 1911 to 1946. The firm was known worldwide for its innovations in engine and transmission design, and its racing successes. The company also produced the first detachable wire wheel in 1907 and was known for its knockoff wheels on sports cars.
Gus Bofa, whose real name was Gustave Blanchot, was born in Brive-la-gaillarde, France, in 1883 and died in 1968 at the age of 85.
Gus Bofa was one of the most prolific illustrators working between the wars. He became director of Le Rire magazine in 1909 and took over Sourire in 1912, as well as working for countless other magazines. He also found time to take on advertising jobs, and around 1910 even published a self-promotional booklet, "l'Affiche Gus Bofa". |
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