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Sadler and Paget balloon ascent, Hackney
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Sadler and Paget balloon ascent, Hackney
The ascent of James Sadler and Captain Paget from the Mermaid at Hackney, London. They descended near Tilbury Fort in Essex.
12 August 1811
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Media ID 7475061
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10610257
1811 Ascending Ascent Ballooning Descended Essex Fort Hackney Mermaid Paget Sadler Spectators Tilbury Waving
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print commemorates the historic balloon ascent of James Sadler and Captain Paget from the Mermaid Tavern in Hackney, London, on the 12th of August, 1811. The intrepid adventurers, Sadler, a self-taught aeronaut, and Captain Paget, a naval officer, embarked on their daring journey in pursuit of scientific discovery and the thrill of exploration. The image captures the moment just before their ascent, with a large crowd gathered at the Mermaid Tavern, eagerly watching the preparations. The towering balloon, filled with hot air, stands tall against the backdrop of the Tower of London, its vibrant colors contrasting with the muted tones of the urban landscape. Sadler and Paget are shown waving farewell to the spectators below, their faces filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The captain, dressed in his naval uniform, clutches a hat in one hand, while Sadler, in his simple attire, holds onto the tether rope with both hands. The balloon's basket, adorned with intricate designs and decorations, rests securely on the ground, ready for takeoff. The print also depicts the Mermaid Tavern, a popular meeting place for aeronauts and aviation enthusiasts, in the background. The tavern's sign, featuring a mermaid holding a glass of ale, can be seen clearly, adding to the nostalgic charm of the scene. The adventurous duo successfully ascended into the sky, reaching an altitude of over 4,000 feet before descending near Tilbury Fort in Essex. Their groundbreaking achievement marked a significant milestone in the history of ballooning and inspired countless others to explore the vast expanse of the sky. This evocative print serves as a testament to their courage and the spirit of adventure that defined the early days of aviation.
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