The History of Bubbles...

   Let me pen down with some monumental facts about Bubbles. Bubbles are an incredible natural phenomenon that teaches us a variety of subjects, right from physics to geometry. They are basically made up of air that is surrounded by a thin film of water. Bubble Blowing is a form of art that never gets old, irrespective of what age you are. It is also considered as one of the oldest and most popular of children’s play interests. This is one of the timeless pastimes.

   The history of bubbles dates back to the ancient times. The earliest depiction of blowing bubbles was seen on an Etruscan vase in the Louvre in Paris. The whole concept of bubble came into the minds of two men. Andrew Pears and Thomas J. Barratt who were the two dignified personalities that have led to the commercial success of a London based firm A. & F. Pears for nearly two hundred years. Andrew Pears was a Cornish man who has arrived in London in the year 1989 as a barber. But by his sharp intellectuality, he has recognized the potentiality of the purity and softness of soap and after much trial and error, an idea hit upon his mind of removing all the impurities and before adding the aroma of English Garden flowers, he refined the base soap. And later on, this became the image of Pears soap which is popular amongst the public today. For many, many years, other products were also manufactured alongside the transparent soap. But Andrew’s use of amber soap was successful all along. Andrew Pears along with his grandson, Francis Pears started their business of bubbles. They were tremendously successful and after three years, Andrew Pears took his retirement. Next to the throne comes, Thomas J. Barrat, the son-in-law of Francis Pears. He was an active and intelligent man who had revolutionized the entire distribution system of Andrew Pears within months. He used expensive and original schemes to hit the market and also, improved the sales performance. Within a short span of time, he had received a plethora of accolades for his achievements. Lillie Lantry, an extremely popular actress of the times had given Barratt a commendation for Pears soap. Amongst others include Sir Erasmus Wilson, Doctor Redwood and Henry Ward Beecher. Barrat is often referred to as the father of advertising firm and he had spent plentitude of money for the ‘Bubble Campaign’. The ‘Bubble Campaign’ started by Barratt had won the hearts of the masses.

   The best-remembered piece of publicity was the use of Sir John Everett Millais' painting 'Bubbles' as an advertisement for Pears. The model for 'Bubbles' was the artist's grandson, Willie. Over the years many new inventions took place, the world around us greatly evolved. But, bubbles have never lost their charm.