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William Elmes Prime Bang Up at Hackney
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William Elmes Prime Bang Up at Hackney
William Elmes Prime Bang Up at Hackney [Caricature of Sadlers Eighteenth Ascent form the gardens of the Mermaid Tavern, Hackney. 12 August, 1811]. [Cuthbert-Hodgson Collection]
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Media ID 9897997
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10843687
Ascent Balloon Ballooning Bang Eighteenth Form Hackney Hodgson Mermaid Prime Sadlers Tavern Elmes
EDITORS COMMENTS
William Elmes' Prime Bang Up at Hackney: A Caricature of Sadler's Eighteenth Ascent from the Gardens of the Mermaid Tavern, Hackney, on August 12, 1811 This intriguing print captures the excitement and whimsy of an early aerial adventure in the form of a hot air balloon ascent, as depicted in the caricature "William Elmes' Prime Bang Up at Hackney." The scene takes place in the gardens of the Mermaid Tavern in Hackney, a popular destination for London's elite during the Regency era. The date, August 12, 1811, is inscribed in the bottom left corner of the print. The central focus of the image is a hot air balloon, with the basket suspended beneath it, ready for takeoff. The balloonist, William Elmes, is shown standing at the edge of the basket, wearing a top hat and holding onto the ropes with a determined expression. The passengers, a mix of men and women, cling to the sides of the basket, some with looks of trepidation, others with excitement. In the background, a crowd of onlookers gathers to witness the event, some in elegant Regency attire, others in more rustic clothing. A horse-drawn hackney carriage is parked nearby, adding to the sense of transportation and adventure. The title "Prime Bang Up" suggests that this is not the first balloon ascent for Elmes, but perhaps an especially eventful or daring one. The term "bang up" was used in the early 19th century to mean "excellent" or "first-rate." This print, from the Cuthbert-Hodgson Collection, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the thrill of early aviation and the popular pastime of hot air ballooning during the Regency era. The image is not to be confused with any modern-day companies or aircraft, but rather serves as a historical record of an intriguing moment in time.
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