A whimsical reprint collection directly based on antique prints from the 1700s depicting famous historical ballooning scenes. Each balloon is hand framed in a textured fabric-like mount, surrounded by a cobalt blue, dusky pink, mid green or taupe border. The frames are delicate gold-leaf mouldings which have hints of red paint showing beneath the gold.
During the 18th century, the first balloons drew spectacular crowds (some of which included Marie Antoinette) and caused huge excitement. This great public interest was dubbed Balloonomania and quickly spread from France across the Channel to England.
This are available up to a set of 4 or singles and scenes include:
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Tessu Brissy's Balloon (Blue border). A pioneering French balloonist who made flights sitting astride his horse.
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Lunardi's Balloon (Green border). Italian hot air balloonist Vincent Lunardi made the first manned, free floating balloon flight in English skies from London in 1784.
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Blanchard's Balloon (Pink border). In 1785, French balloonist John-Pierre Blanchard and John Jeffries, an American doctor, became the first men to fly over the English Channel in a hydogen balloon. His balloon included 'aerial oars' to help steer his craft.
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The Montgolfier Balloon (Taupe border). In November 1783, the first untethered hot air balloon flight carrying humans occurred, in a balloon made from paper and silk by the French Montgolfier brothers. It travelled 5 1/2 miles from the centre of Paris before landing safely.
If buying a pair, please add BALLOONPAIR at the checkout to purchase these for £260.
All our reprint collections are limited in number and originate directly from antiques personally sourced by Petri Prints.
Frame Features
- Reprints, hand framed in England using conservation materials.
- External frame size: approx. 29 x 35 cm.
- Printed on specialist 290 gsm fine art paper Hahnemühle Hemp. Hemp was an essential part of paper production for centuries and was used in the making of many long-lasting historical documents.
- Glazed with specialist Artglass for UV protection and clearer viewing, used by the finest galleries and museums around the world.
- Conservation acid-free barrier board to provide protection to your artwork.
