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Michelin's slogan claiming that these tyres "drink up obstacles" is the literal theme of this floor mosaic inside the former headquarters on Fulham Road.

The Michelin Man, also called "Bibendum" is about to knock back a cup full of sharp objects. He is proposing a toast - "nunc est bibendum" ("now is the time to drink").

michelin man mosaic

 

This part of the building is now a bar-restaurant, so Bibendum has a table and chairs planted on top of him. On his own table in front of him are some tools of the tyre trade - mastic and compressed air, for example.

bibendum floor mosaic

bibendum floor mosaic

 

The mosaic has very few colours in it, and quite simple lines, but the flow of the marble tesserae brings it to life.

bibendum mosaic detail

acorn mosaic The mosaic floor of the room has this oak leaf and acorn border. The connection with Bibendum isn't obvious, but it actually takes a theme from the tile panels, where the scenes have a similar oak leaf border.

michelin building
exterior views

michelin building
exterior views

michelin man
mosaic floor

interior tiles
interior tiles

interior tiles
interior tiles

interior tiles
interior tiles (details)

exterior tiles
exterior tiles

exterior tiles
exterior tiles

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