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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D5459/1/28/4 |
| Former Reference | D5459/3/86 |
| Title | [Balloon in flames] |
| Date | [1785] |
| Description | Flames engulf a red and white striped balloon, with green envelope suspended beneath the basket. Two figures in the basket are waving. Available on CD 157. |
| Level | Item |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Artist | Woodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809) |
| Archive Creator | George Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer |
| Further Information | This picture depicts the first aeronautical disaster, on 15 Jun 1785, during an attempt made by Pilâtre de Rozier and Romain to cross the Channel. They devised what has become known as the Rozier; it combined the montgolfière hot air balloon, which could be used regulate height, with a charlière hydrogen balloon. The balloon is described as having a hydrogen envelope, with a conical montogolfière made of green silk lined with paper, suspended 5 feet below it. Although the proportions in the drawing do not appear to be correct (the montgolfière was 24 feet high and the hydrogen balloon had a diameter of 33 metres) the green cylinder is clearly visible below the basket.
According to eye-witness accounts, the fire began at the top of the hydrogen balloon, probably because the valve failed to allow the escape of gas as it expanded during the ascent. The balloon plummeted to the ground in view of the spectators, killing both pilots. Although Woodward is mistaken in many of the details such as the exact structure of the balloon and the location of the fire, the evidence does to point to it being a representation of this episode.
The date is based on the date of the event depicted. |
| Physical Description | Coloured drawing. Size 290 x 194 mm. Portrait. |
| Copies | A digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office. |
| Publication Note | Rolt, 1966. |
| Image | ![[Balloon in flames]](GetImage.ashx?db=Catalog&fname=D5459-1-28-4.jpg&type=RecordThumbnail)
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