On this day in 1910, Jacques-Yves Cousteau was born in Saint-André-de-Cubzac, France. Cousteau's love of the ocean prompted his study of the sea, which lead to great discoveries and the advancement of scientific knowledge of the undersea world. Cousteau was instrumental in the development of the free-range underwater breathing apparatus, known as an "aqua lung." This invention was later refined into the SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) equipment we know today.
As a young man in 1930, Cousteau joined the French Navy. His dream of becoming a naval pilot was derailed when he broke both arms in an automobile accident. He remained in the French Navy through World War II where he served in the information service. He was sent to China, Japan and the Soviet Union. Once his dream of flying had ended, he turned to his other love: the sea.
Cousteau (using his newly developed breathing apparatus and goggles) greatly expanded scientists' exploration of the sea. He studied shipwrecks, conducted underwater archaeological studies, conducted undersea experiments, and conducted scientific tests and research underwater. He often filmed his efforts, bringing a compelling educational dimension to his work. (One of his earliest films was a collaboration with Louis Malle.) Cousteau was amongst the first to hypothesize that porpoises had a special echolocation ability—not unlike the (fairly new) sonar systems used in submarines. He fitted the ship, Calypso, as a floating ocean laboratory and film studio. During this time, he raised two sons, Jean-Michel and Philippe, both of whom assisted him in his adventures.
The world (or, at least, Americans) got to know this compelling and brave adventurer though his television program, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau. (Click here to watch the classic television intro—with its engaging musical theme.) It ran from 1966 to 1976. I was always captivated by Cousteau's intelligence, curiosity, adventurousness and physical bravery. The show introduced me to—and made me appreciate—the rigorous pursuit of science (although I would not, in the end, become a scientist).
The West German Modernist bas relief ceramic plaque, shown above, was made by Ruscha in the Sixties or Seventies. Underwater grasses sway in the current, while anemones undulate from their coral perches. Click on the photo to learn more about them.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.