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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/28/11
Former ReferenceD5459/2/167
Title[A Balloon]
Date[1783-1786]
DescriptionAn inflated red and yellow balloon, is tethered to the ground, and is surrounded by strolling spectators. On the left two young men talk to two women wearing ostrich feathers in their hair. There are a numerous couples, and in front of the balloon a young woman walks with an older woman. Just to the right of the balloon there is a group of children playing and on the far right a tall thin man talks to a short stout man with a dog. Available on CD 157.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationThis may be a balloon fully inflated and ready to fly, or it may show a balloon inflated in order to be displayed. Lunardi's first balloon was exhibited at the Lyceum, in the Strand prior to its first flight. 20,000 people viewed the balloon, including those who had subscribed to enabled the balloon to be manufactured. After the flight the balloon was exhibited at the Pantheon (the owners of the Lyceum had impounded the balloon, demanding further payment, and the balloon was only rescued with the help of the police). Lunardi's balloon was red and white - the one depicted is red and yellow, but it may well be the same one, particularly as it shows a net covered basket, which Lunardi used, rather than one of the many ornate cars which were often used.
Physical DescriptionColoured drawing. Size 460 x 320 mm. Portrait.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Publication NoteRolt, 1966.
Image

[A Balloon]

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