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Ballooning CVS01_01_038
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Ballooning CVS01_01_038
Tales of balloon flight. Hand-coloured engraving showing French balloonist Jules Duroufs gas balloon Le Neptune exploding during a tethered flight in 1860. Durouf survived the accident. From the Cecil Victor Shadbolt collection of lantern slides dating from 1882-1892
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 11492973
© Historic England
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This print takes us back to a significant moment in the history of balloon flight. The hand-coloured engraving showcases French balloonist Jules Durouf's ill-fated tethered flight aboard his gas balloon, Le Neptune, in 1860. In a dramatic turn of events, the majestic aerostat is seen exploding mid-air, engulfed in flames and billowing smoke. Despite this catastrophic incident, which surely would have spelled doom for most adventurers of the time, Durouf miraculously survived. His resilience and determination are evident as he emerges from this harrowing experience unscathed. The Victorian-era painting captures not only the perilous nature of early ballooning but also highlights the spirit of exploration that defined this era. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity and bravery in pushing boundaries beyond what was thought possible. Preserved within the Cecil Victor Shadbolt collection of lantern slides dating from 1882-1892 at Historic England Archive, this image offers a glimpse into an extraordinary chapter in aviation history. It reminds us that progress often comes with risks and setbacks but can ultimately lead to great triumphs. As we gaze upon this remarkable artwork, let us reflect on those who dared to dream big and soar high above the clouds – pioneers like Jules Durouf who defied gravity's constraints and paved the way for future generations to explore new frontiers.
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