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Richard Sands Air Walking at Drury Lane, 1853
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Richard Sands Air Walking at Drury Lane, 1853
Engraving showing Richard Sands (d.1861), the American acrobat, equestrian and air walker, performing at Drury Lane Theatre, London, March 1853. The secret of his performance was apparently rubber suction pads and although this particular show was a success, he died performing this stunt in Massachusetts when the plaster of the ceiling he was walking gave way
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Media ID 4391951
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10219929
1853 Acrobat Apparently Ceiling Died Drury Equestrian Gave Lane Massachusetts Pads Performance Plaster Rubber Sands Secret Stunt Success Suction
EDITORS COMMENTS
"This engraving captures the thrilling moment when American acrobat, equestrian, and air walker, Richard Sands, performed at the prestigious Drury Lane Theatre in London, in March 1853. Sands, who died tragically in Massachusetts in December 1861, was known for his daring stunts that defied gravity. In this performance, he appeared to walk on air, a feat achieved through the use of rubber suction pads. The secret of his performance was a closely guarded one, adding to the allure and excitement of his act. Despite the risks involved, this particular show was a resounding success, with audiences in awe of Sands' extraordinary abilities. However, the danger of his stunt became all too real when, just over two years later, the plaster of the ceiling at the Boston Opera House gave way as Sands performed the same stunt, resulting in his tragic death. This historical image provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing the daring feats of a man who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of acrobatics. Sands' legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of performers to take risks and defy the laws of physics." Image Title: "Richard Sands, the American Acrobat, Performing his Air Walking Act at Drury Lane Theatre, London, March 1853" Image Description: A captivating engraving of American acrobat, Richard Sands, performing his air walking act at Drury Lane Theatre in London, March 1853. Sands is depicted walking on what appears to be thin air, with the audience in the background, transfixed by the spectacle. The image provides a glimpse into the past, offering a glimpse into the world of 19th-century acrobatics and the daring feats of a man who defied gravity. Image Date: March 1853 Image Source: Mary Evans Picture Library. Image Ref: ILN 07-03-1853 p138. Rights Managed.
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