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Worlds first hydrogen balloon CVS01_01_010
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Worlds first hydrogen balloon CVS01_01_010
Tales of balloon flight. This unmanned balloon, Le Globe was launched by Jacques Charles and the Robert brothers on the Champ de Mars, Paris, on 27th August 1783, landing in Gonnesse after a forty-five minute flight, where it terrified local peasants who destroyed the balloon. Hand-coloured engraving shows peasants attacking the balloon. From the Cecil Victor Shadbolt collection of lantern slides dating from 1882-1892
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Media ID 12184325
© Historic England
Aircraft Balloon Flight Victorian
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This print captures a significant moment in the history of aviation - the world's first hydrogen balloon flight. Known as Le Globe, this unmanned balloon was launched by Jacques Charles and the Robert brothers on August 27th, 1783, at Champ de Mars in Paris. The daring flight lasted for forty-five minutes before landing in Gonnesse. However, what should have been a triumphant achievement quickly turned into chaos as local peasants were terrified by the sight of this unfamiliar flying object. In this hand-coloured engraving from the Cecil Victor Shadbolt collection of lantern slides dating back to 1882-1892, we witness an extraordinary scene unfold. Peasants are seen attacking the fragile balloon with fear and confusion etched across their faces. This unexpected reaction showcases how new inventions can often be met with resistance and apprehension from those unaccustomed to such advancements. The image serves as a reminder that progress is not always embraced immediately but instead requires time for acceptance and understanding to take root within society. It also highlights the courage and pioneering spirit of individuals like Charles and the Robert brothers who dared to push boundaries and explore uncharted territories. Preserved by Historic England Archive, this photograph print offers us a glimpse into an era when mankind's fascination with flight began to soar towards new horizons – an era where balloons became symbols of human ingenuity defying gravity itself.
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