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Vincenzo Lunardis balloon ascending from Artillery Ground, City Road, Finsbury, London, 1784
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Vincenzo Lunardis balloon ascending from Artillery Ground, City Road, Finsbury, London, 1784
City Road, Finsbury, London, 1784; scene of Vincenzo Lunardis balloon ascending from Artillery Ground, with crowds watching below
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15170980
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Air Transport Artillery Balloon Brewer City Road Excitement F Jukes Finsbury Francis Francis Jukes Hot Air Balloon Innovation Islington Jukes Lunardi Novelty Spectator Vincent Vincent Lunardi Vincenzo Vincenzo Lunardi Aquatint Artillery Ground Metaphor
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous event in the history of air transport. In 1784, Vincenzo Lunardi's hot air balloon gracefully ascended from Artillery Ground, located on City Road in Finsbury, London. The scene is filled with excitement as crowds gather below to witness this groundbreaking innovation. The image showcases the bustling streets of 18th-century London, with its narrow lanes and historic architecture forming a picturesque backdrop for Lunardi's daring adventure. People from all walks of life come together to marvel at this metaphorical leap into the unknown. Francis Jukes masterfully depicts the scene using aquatint technique, creating a monochrome landscape that adds an element of timelessness to the image. The composition beautifully captures both the grandeur of Lunardi's balloon and the awe-struck spectators below. This print not only serves as a historical record but also symbolizes human fascination with novelty and progress. It reminds us that even in centuries past, people were captivated by technological advancements and their potential for transforming our lives. Preserved within Guildhall Library and Art Gallery archives, this remarkable piece offers us a glimpse into an era when "up in the air" was more than just an expression – it was an exhilarating reality that sparked wonderment among those fortunate enough to witness it firsthand.
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