After William Gauci. “Representation of the Balloon, Immediately Preceding its Ascension from the Village of Seal, Near Sevenoaks, in Kent." London M. Colnaghi, May 1826. $1,500.00

After William Gauci, “Representation of the Balloon, Immediately Preceding its Ascension from the Village of Seal, Near Sevenoaks, in Kent, the 23rd of August 1825 at 6 p.m.” London M. Colnaghi, May 1826.    

 By the 1820s balloonists had reduced the dangers associated with launching and landing their crafts, but continued to work to refine the logistics of controlling them while aloft. This detailed lithograph commemorates a flight made by P. Cornillot in 1825 that demonstrated how a system of weights could be used to maintain a stable elevation during flight. Also shown is the piping system developed to fill balloons with coal gas, while keeping the source of heat source at a safe distance from the flammable air bag.

The print carries the intriguing note that on this occasion, "Mr. P. Cornillot established the principle of sailing in an horizontal direction at any required point of elevation." Cornillot took up another Frenchman as passenger on this flight, a Monsieur T. R. Jolliffe. After making two further ascents from St. John's Wood farm in June of 1826, Cornillot passes quietly from aerostatic history, leaving behind him this delightful record of his stay in England.

Full title, Representation of the Balloon immediately preceding its ascension from the Village of Seal near Sevenoaks in Kent the 23^rd of August 1825 at six (PM) on which occasion Mr. P Cornillot established the principal of sailing in an horizontal direction at ana required point of elevation. Cette Planche representant ce Balloon de soie ayant 30 pieds de diameter/construct sous la direction de Mr Cornillot tres respectueusement dediee a Monsieur T. R. Jolliffe le Compagnon de son Voyage aerien.

Ref https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/361970

Uncolored lithograph
15 x 17 ¼ inches sheet.
Very good condition.