1980s Hot Air Balloon Gondola Pub Bar Table

Description

"Vintage Hot Air balloon pub dining table deisgned by Dennis Deis, painted by Richard Mantia, and inspired by the book … more "Vintage Hot Air balloon pub dining table deisgned by Dennis Deis, painted by Richard Mantia, and inspired by the book Around the World in 80 days, a novel by Jules Verne. This collaboration was born to raise funds for the AIDS fundraiser at the Masonic Temple in Dayton Ohio circa 1980s.

The base or gondola was made by Cameron, and frequently used by Dennis during his flights before being retired and used for this installation art.

The decorated gondola base supports a hand painted table top showing a colorful birdseye continental map view. At the center is handmade lamp fashioned to look like the burner of a hot air balloon. The round ceiling canopy features a red and gold candy cane exterior and mirrored interior allowing for a unique reflection off of the lantern below. Between the canopy and table surface is a fun rope and pulley design offering added dimension. The table can sit four to five stools comfortable.

Dennis Deis Bio:
Dennis George John Deis, b 1942 - 2012 was a loving, dedicated, trustworthy, and fun-loving family man and friend. At 70 years old, he had lived a rich, albeit too short life. He was born on May 29th, 1942, in his parents' home in Kettering's Greenmont Village. He started his adventures outside of Greenmont at 18, when he enlisted in the Navy. He served from March 28, 1960 to May 28, 1963. When he returned, he married Joyce Breckler and started working for Ohio Bell as a phone installer. After 27 years, he retired as a PBX installer for AT&T.

He started a second career as a hot air balloon pilot and entrepreneur of Rainbow's End balloon flights. He was frequently seen flying over the Dayton area in the rainbow-colored Houser Asphalt balloon. Ballooning took him on adventures in Michigan, Iowa, New Mexico, Arizona, and Europe. He flew over European castles and great scenic views for Buddy Bombard. Over 10,000 Daytonians shared a balloon basket with Dennis, as he was the most active aeronaut in the Miami Valley.

After retiring from ballooning, he dedicated his life to his family, friends and incredible artistic home improvements, usually to his own home. He was a very capable and creative carpenter, electrician, architect, inventor, restoration specialist, and artisan, building anything from detailed dollhouses to room additions, and of course, the aformetioned Hot Air Balloon pub table.

He often found it impossible to say no when any of his friends or family asked for use of his talents. Dennis Deis was also respected as a community and civic minded person. He was very involved in his community and he often served on neighborhood boards and committees. He looked for any excuse, almost to the point of inventing holidays, to open his home to his friends and family. His large and celebratory personality drew people in for big planned parties to impromptu get-togethers. This is said with a huge smile and a little eye roll, he loved to be the center of attention. His grandchildren enjoyed his playfulness and goofy mentality. Denny loved making people laugh, even if it was at him. He truly treasured all of his family and friends and left us with many stories to tell.

Richard Mantia Bio""
Richard Mantia was born and raised in New York City. He was classically trained in drawing and painting by Ariel Agemian and studied at the Arts Student League and Pratt Graphics Center. Richard earned his BFA at Western Kentucky University and his MFA at Pratt Art Institute. Richard has worked as a set designer in Hollywood, CA, an instructor of drawing and painting in Louisville, KY and as a fine artist living in Dayton, OH and St. Remy-de-Provence, France. His paintings are in private and corporate collections in the USA, Europe and the UK.
Artist’s Statement: I believe that any painting should speak for itself. Quite simply, my paintings are a visual experience of the pleasure and inspiration I find looking at the fascinating light on the environment around me."

72"d x 82.5"h, surface is 41", or 39" clearance for chairs. less