Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > Crystal Palace
Stringfellow Steam Engine, 1868. Creator: John Stringfellow
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Stringfellow Steam Engine, 1868. Creator: John Stringfellow
Like the Wright brothers, who followed, John Stringfellow and his associate William Henson are an important link to early aeronautical researchers. At an exposition in 1868 in Londons Crystal Palace, where it powered a triplane model along a cable, the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain awarded a prize of £ 100 to Stringfellows engine as the lightest in proportion to its power, producing 0.75 kW (one horsepower) for the weight of 5.9 kg (13 pounds). In 1889, Smithsonian Secretary Samuel P. Langley purchased the engine, along with a " car" designed to carry an engine and a pair of propellers, for £ 25. Langley held on to the engine briefly, sending it to L.D. Copeland of Smithville, N.J. for experimental work. Upon return of the engine to Langley, he turned it over to the museum section of the Smithsonian for public display, also in 1889
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 23877397
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Air And Space Museum Air Transport Aircraft Aviation Copper Alloy Cotton Engine Flight Nasm National Air And Space Museum Paint Propulsion Propulsion Reciprocating Rotary Reciprocating Motion Rotary Engine Steam Engine Steel John Stringfellow Lightest
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> Wright Brothers
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> John William Wright
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> John Wood
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Crystal Palace
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> Design Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> London Transport Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> Crystal Palace
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Transport
> Aviation
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable Stringfellow Steam Engine, a groundbreaking invention that played a pivotal role in early aviation research. Created by John Stringfellow and his associate William Henson, this engine holds great historical significance as it paved the way for future aeronautical advancements. In 1868, at London's prestigious Crystal Palace exposition, the Stringfellow Steam Engine astounded spectators by powering a triplane model along a cable. Its exceptional performance earned it recognition from the Aeronautical Society of Great Britain, who awarded it with £100 for being the lightest engine in proportion to its power. With an impressive output of 0.75 kW (equivalent to one horsepower) and weighing just 5.9 kg (13 pounds), this engine was truly revolutionary. The importance of this innovation did not go unnoticed by Smithsonian Secretary Samuel P. Langley, who acquired both the engine and a specially designed "car" for carrying propellers in 1889 for £25. After conducting experimental work with L. D. Copeland of Smithville, N. J. , Langley eventually entrusted the engine to the museum section of the Smithsonian Institution for public display. This photograph captures not only an extraordinary piece of engineering but also represents an era when pioneers like John Stringfellow pushed boundaries and expanded our understanding of flight technology. It serves as a testament to their invaluable contributions to air transport and aviation history while highlighting their significant impact on scientific institutions worldwide.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
