In Pégase 1945-2003, Jean-Marie Courtes tells the story of Mobil, which had a refinery in Frontignan, through advertising.
This is his third book on the same theme: that of Mobil, which had two refineries in France, one in Notre-Dame-de-Gravenchon and, of course, one in Frontignan. In Pegasus 1945-2003, Jean-Marie Courtes, a veteran of this company, tells “the entire history of the company between the end of the Second World War and 2003” through the prism of advertisements of the time.
The evolution of the oil giant’s advertising
“I use all the advertisements from the time during this period”explains the author. “We see in particular the evolution of vehicles and the use of petroleum products”. In this 230-page work, containing nearly 800 illustrations, readers, including perhaps former Mobil employees, will come across, for example, an advertisement where we see the famous liner France at the dock and the fact that it is the Pegasus brand which supplies the lubricants for the engines. “I do some technical explanations but it is mainly to show the evolution of communication”confides Jean-Marie Courtes. “But also the changes in the design of gas stations, then self-services. I’m also talking about the gifts that were fashionable at the time”.
Two other works available
This book is available at the Plume Bleue bookstore in Frontignan. And those interested will be able to find an order form for the author’s two other works, in order to have the complete collection. For the truly historical side – “with passages on the Frontignan refinery” – there is It was Mobil Oil Française 1893 – 2003. And otherwise, the first volume on advertisements entitled Gargoyle (advertising and communication for Mobil Oil Française from 1893 to 1945).
