The Bertie Bassett hot air balloon

We asked our team to tell us about their favourite ever piece of design. It could be a logo, a building, an object (shoes, gadgets, product packaging). The only criteria was that they consider it a thing of beauty and have an emotional connection to it.

The Bertie Bassett hot air balloon - by Andrea Pluck (Editor)

“It's an unusual shape to see in the sky and so it can appear to be quite 'magical' for a child to see in the air.”

Why do you love it? What does it mean to you?

Being from Northampton, I attend the annual balloon festival religiously, and have been doing so since I was very young. Bertie Bassett always stood out. It was the biggest, most colourful and detailed balloon out of all the rest. It reminds me of being a young kid with no responsibilities.

Photo: Karen Roe

What are your favourite aspects of it?

I like that it's not a traditional balloon shape and the numerous colours makes it stand out in the sky. The walking stick, waving hand and smiling face make it even more appealing and also an enigma as to how it is able to float in the air. Unfortunately, it is no longer displayed as Cadbury Trebor Bassett felt that it doesn't fit with their branding anymore!

When you see the balloon, what memories does it bring back?

It reminds me of sitting by my bedroom window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the balloon (on the days I didn't attend the festival). Long distant family would traditionally come to my home town to attend the Northampton Balloon Festival and so this design brings back a lot of happy, family-feel memories.