American Historical Ephemera and Photography

GREEN, Charles (1785-1870). Accident to Mr. Green and his Balloon! London: S.G. Fairbrother, [1845]. 4 15/16 x 6 5/8 in. letterpress broadside (very minor creasing); framed to 9 1/2 x 11 1/4 in. (not examined out frame). 

A small broadside announcing that "in consequence of the disastrous result of Mr. Green's last Night Ascent from Vauxhall, vix. the entire destruction of the Albion Baloon, and severe bodily injuries sustained by Mr. Green" that scheduled ballooning events were canceled. The organizers apologize and announce that the "Wreck of that once Magnificent Vessel" would be displayed for public viewing with proceeds going to "a BENEFIT for the VETERAN GREEN, the proceeds to be applied to the building of a NEW BALLOON."  

Charles Green (1785-1870) was a world-renowned experimental balloonist, pioneering coal gas as an alternative to hydrogen. He first used this method on 19 July 1821, making over 200 ascents by 1835 and recording a distance record in 1836 by flying from Vauxhall Gardens to Weilburg in the Duchy of Nassau (Germany). He is also credited with inventing trail ropes to steer and land. 

In an article from right before the accident on 10 August 1845, Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper reported on Mr. Green's entertaining "Night Ascents," which included fireworks discharged from the Balloon: "A more brilliant aerial pyrotechnic exhibition was never witnessed."