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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/28/12
Former ReferenceD5459/1/177
Title[Crowd looking at hot air balloon]
Date[1783-1786]
DescriptionA crowd, some on horseback, others in carriages, grandstands and looking out from the windows of a building on the right, watch the flight of a balloon. The balloon has a striped canopy and projecting wings or oars. On the right there is a raked grandstand. 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 depict the flight made by Lunardi on 15 Sep 1784, which was the first manned flight in England (though not the British Isles, Tytler having flown in August in Edinburgh)

Lunardi had planned to fly from Chelsea Hospital, but had been refused permission after a number of experimental balloon flights had caused public disturbances. He then arranged to fly from the Artillery Grounds at Moorfields, but this nearly fell through when the Lyceum, where he had been exhibiting his balloon, demanded an extra payment. After seizing the balloon, with the help of the police, and getting supporters to stand as surety for the use of the Artillery Ground he made the flight. Even on the day of the flight there were set-backs, the balloon had not been fully filled with hydrogen so Lunardi travelled without Biggin.

The scene resembles that of the Artillery ground. On the day, wooden scaffolding containing spectators collapsed, and this appears to be what can be seen on the right of the picture. The balloon also seems to have the wings with which Lunardi's balloon was equipped.
Physical DescriptionPencil drawing. Size 367 x 228 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Publication NoteRolt, 1966.
Image

[Crowd looking at hot air balloon]

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