Mrs. Graham's Balloon on Fire, 1850. Creator: Unknown

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Mrs. Graham's Balloon on Fire, 1850. Creator: Unknown

Mrs. Graham's Balloon on Fire, 1850. In 1826, Margaret Graham became the first British woman to make a solo balloon flight. She described her 1850 flight from Cremorne Gardens in London: "...the wind had increased, and the gas...had by this time greatly condensed...The consequence was, that the balloon, which, on the 29th of July, carried up five persons, would now only take myself, allowing for the weight of fireworks (75 lb.)...[She managed to land, but...] Upon walking round to see if the valve was open, a man indiscreetly came behind me with a light, which coming in contact with the escaping gas, instantaneously ignited, giving forth a volume of flame which resembled the dome of St. Paul's on fire: the effect of the sudden combustion of from 8, 000 to 10, 000 cubic feet of gas was terrific". Mrs. Graham was severely scorched on the face and hands, and part of her clothing was destroyed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850

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Media ID 36197810

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Accident Aeronaut Balloon Ballooning Balloonist Burning Dramatic Explosion Flame Flames Gas Balloon Hot Air Balloon Incident On Fire Air Transport Cremorne Gardens

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > France > Canton > Landes

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Sights > St Pauls Cathedral

EDITORS COMMENTS
is an intriguing and dramatic image from the 19th century, capturing the moment of an unfortunate incident during an aeronautical endeavor. The print depicts Margaret Graham, a British woman and pioneer balloonist, as she experiences a terrifying accident during her solo flight from Cremorne Gardens in London. In 1826, Graham made history as the first British woman to make a solo balloon flight. However, her 1850 attempt did not go as smoothly. As she descended, the wind had increased, causing the gas to condense. With only her weight and that of the fireworks (75 lb.) needed for the landing, she managed to touch down. However, upon checking the valve, a man approached with a light, which ignited the escaping gas, causing an explosion that engulfed the balloon in flames. The print, published in the Illustrated London News in 1850, shows Graham surrounded by men trying to extinguish the flames. Her face and hands were severely scorched, and part of her clothing was destroyed. The image is a stark reminder of the risks and dangers associated with early forms of air transport and the determination of those who dared to push the boundaries of technology and exploration. This engraving is a testament to the courage and resilience of Margaret Graham and the pioneering spirit of the Victorian era. It is a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the excitement and danger of early ballooning and the role of the press in documenting and disseminating news and events.

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