Admission ticket for the balloon ascension of Vincenzo Lunardi on May 13, 1785.
Alternate Title(s):
This ticket will admit one person into the Armory House
Published / Created:
England, 1785.
Physical Description:
1 admission ticket : engraving ; 7.5 x 12 cm
Collection:
Rare Books and Manuscripts
Copyright Status:
Public Domain
Related Content:
View Rigaud's painting Captain Vincenzo Lunardi with his Assistant George Biggin, and Mrs. Letitia Anne Sage
https://collections.britishart.yale.edu/vufind/Record/1665182
Classification:
Books
Notes:
"When Mr. Lunardi first ascended with his balloon from the Artillery Ground, it was the desire of Mr. [George] Biggin to accompany him; but the balloon was found incapable of carrying them both. He was a second time disappointed on the 13th of May, 1785, by reason of some mis-management and confusion that took place in the operation of filling Mr. Lunardi's balloon with inflammable air; the consequence of which was that Mr. Lunardi ascended alone, but soon after made a rapid descent, occasioned by the bursting of the balloon. On Wednesday the 29th of June, 1785, Mr. Biggin, in company with Mrs. [Letitia Anne] Sage, ascended from Mr. Arnold's Rotunda in St. George's-Fields. The sight was uncommonly grand, and afforded ample satisfaction to the numerous spectators. ..."--New London Magazine, October 1785, p. 178. A scene of Biggin, Sage, and Lunardi in the balloon is depicted in John Francis Rigaud's painting: Captain Vincenzo Lunardi with his Assistant George Biggin, and Mrs. Letitia Anne Sage, in a Balloon, oil on copper, 1785 (Yale Center for British Art, B1981.25.532). See link herewith.
Subject Terms:
Lunardi, Vincent, 1759–1806. | Biggin, George, 1760–1803. | Sage, L. A., Mrs. | Balloon ascensions -- History. | Balloons (Aircraft) | Ballooning -- History. | Amusements -- Great Britain -- 19th century. | Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century. | Lunardi, Vincent, 1759–1806. -- Letter to Sir T. Leake. | Leake, T., Sir. -- Letter from Vincent Lunardi.
