Helouan (Egypt) Development Company Limited was established in 1907 with an initial capital of £250,000, divided into 250,000 ordinary shares of £1 each. The company focused on the development of Helwan, a locality south of Cairo, which at the time was becoming a sought-after destination for its thermal springs and healthy climate. The Helouan Development Company invested in hotels, infrastructure, and services to attract both local elites and international tourists, helping transform Helwan into one of Egypt's premier vacation spots.
Company Historical Data
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year of Incorporation | 1907 |
| Registered Office | London, United Kingdom |
| Share Capital at Incorporation | £250,000 |
| Share Capital at Cessation | N/A (latest available data) |
| Year of Stock Market Listing | 1907 |
| Year of Delisting | N/A |
| Year of Company Cessation | N/A |
| Annual Revenue (estimate 1908) | N/A |
| Name at Stock Delisting | N/A |
Document Characteristics
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Serial Number | C610 |
| Number of Shares | 25 ordinary shares |
| Value per Share | 1 £ sterling |
| Date of Issue | 24 April 1907 |
| Signed by | Secretary: A. Charles, Director: M.C. FitzGerald |
| Printed by | N/A |
| Typographic Elements | Decorative frame with Egyptian-style architectural motifs and a stylized falcon wing at the bottom. |
| Artist (hypothetical) | Likely an artist commissioned by the company |
Historical Context
The certificate was issued in April 1907, during a period when Egypt, under British protectorate, was undergoing significant economic and infrastructural development. Helwan, with its thermal properties and proximity to Cairo, was on the verge of becoming one of the region's most coveted tourist destinations. The Helouan Development Company played a key role in this development, offering tourists luxury facilities and modern comforts in an exotic and healthy environment.
Artistic and Typographic Details
The document features an elegant and well-defined design, typical of early 20th-century issuances. The frame, with its architectural motifs inspired by Egyptian style, highlights the importance of the geographical and cultural context in which the company operated. The stylized falcon wing, placed at the bottom of the certificate, is a symbolic nod to Egyptian tradition, often associated with power and protection. The artist who created the design, although not specified, undoubtedly sought to combine local elements with an aesthetic taste suitable for an international audience.
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