The history of balloon modelling

[space commander]

I am curious if anybody out there knows when the first modeling balloon was twisted up in a show.

I am also curious as to who was the first artist to swallow a balloon on stage. Is that a question that can be answered?

If you know the answer to these questions and other historical trivia relating to the history of the modeling balloon, please respond to this post.

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

I think it was Robert Nelso who did both of those things first, and best, but that's just me.

[Rachel Peters]

Taxi, is Robert Nelso any relation to Robert Nelson?

PS: I'm making fun of a perceived typo, however, if there is a guy named Robert Nelso, I take it back.

[gav]

Unless Robert was doing shows in the 40's, I doubt he was the first person to do balloon modelling in a show.
According to wikipedia, there are 2 contenders for the first balloon modellers.
H.J. Bonnert, and Henry Maar.
I think David must have already looked that up though.

[Doctor Eric]

Even money says that Robert will STILL contend that he was the first

[Rachel Peters]

I'm pretty sure Robert was the first funny person in history.

[Doctor Eric]

He was the first primate with opposable thumbs.

[Rachel Peters]

Where is he lately, anyway?
ROBERT NELSO! I SUMMON THEE TO P.NET!!!

[Chance]

Back in the early 50's my grandmother invented balloon twisting and my grandfather was the first to perform with it. Does that count?

[Daniel Mooncalf]

I think people used to make images out of intestines that resembled some of today's balloon animals.

I'm thinking ancient Egypt.

[Chance]

My folks are old, but not that old!

[Rachel Peters]

After enough pepperoni and coffee, my own intestines begin to twist up like balloon animals. ...I think rabbit.

[Doctor Eric]

I tied my penis in a square knot once, just to prove a point.