On the move: Hermès and the history of motion

Hurricane storm-resistant pipe
This pipe, created by Hermès in 1956, features a closing system—a swiveling cover with six holes—that allows a person to smoke on deck, unperturbed by wind or rain, through storms and hurricanes.

Tobacco box
Made of leather, pewter and copper, this 19th century tobacco box is from the Emile Hermes Collection.

Inversable service of 8 spill-proof glasses for sailing, 1934
An accessory made for the elegant life on board the yachts and ocean liners of the 1930s. The service can be turned in all directions without the glasses ever leaving the vertical position, whether empty or full. As we said, it’s all about being spill-proof on the waves.
Whisky flask
Is the camera an essential travel accessory or a whisky flask? This pewter, glass and leather whisky flask, early 20th century, from the Emile Hermès Collection, also shows the level of liquid inside.

English Officer’s Mess Kit with Accessories
This opulent kit with an ingenious set of nested storage compartments has silverware stowed alongside porcelain, glass, mahogany and enameled iron pieces, all held in a solid oak chest. Because a high-ranking officer would expect nothing less than impeccable service, even in the field. This piece is from the Emile Hermes collection, and probably inspired many variants of picnic trunks at Hermes.

Pippa writing desk, 2016
Elegance and efficiency come together in this piece of mobile furniture. The writing desk, originally designed in 1986, is regularly revisited and the Pippa line was created by Rena Dumas and Peter Coles.
Letter Opener
This 1965 silver, gold and sapphire letter opener from the Hermes Conservatoire of Creations is all about correspondence and immobile journeys.

Picnic cane with mechanism, early 20th century
Emile Hermes collected canes in many variations and had a penchant for ‘secret’ or ‘gadget’ models. This model allows the walker to carry the tools required for a picnic. The handle has a trompe l’oeil effect, concealing a set of cutlery. 

Bolide Picnic bag, spring-summer 2016, wicker and Barénia calfskin. Contemporary collection
Combining basketwork with leather this Bolide Picnic pays tribute to the traditional baskets associated with countryside jaunts. Originally named Sac pour l’auto (bag for automobiles), the Bolide bag is a perfect example of the brand’s responsiveness to changing times (from horse carriages to cars) and the changing needs of customers. The bag appeared at the same time as the motor car and is one of the first travel bags that Émile Hermès fitted with a zip fastening, expressing the motorist’s desire for speed.

(The Hermes Heritage–In Motion exhibition is on till November 20 at the IFBE Gallery at Ballard Estate, from 11 am to 7 pm daily. Admission is free)