Printed area (image as on the main picture) measures:

Large poster 18.0x23.7 inch /  45.7x60.3 cm (approx. same sheet size)

Joseph-Michel Montgolfier (26.08.1740 – 26.06.1810) and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier (06.01.1745 – 02.08.1799) were paper manufacturers from Annonay, in Ardèche, France best known as inventors of the Montgolfière-style hot air balloon or globe aérostatique. They launched the first piloted ascent. Joseph-Michel was described as a maverick and dreamer and was impractical in terms of business and personal affairs. Of the two brothers, it was Joseph who was first interested in aeronautics. Joseph made his first definitive experiments in November 1782 while living in Avignon. To make a public demonstration and to claim its invention the brothers constructed a globe-shaped balloon of sackcloth tightened with three thin layers of paper inside. On 4 June 1783, they flew the balloon at Annonay in front of a group of dignitaries. Word of their success quickly reached Paris. On 19 September 1783, the demonstration was performed at the royal palace in Versailles, before King Louis XVI of France and Queen Marie Antoinette and a crowd. In collaboration with paper manufacturer Réveillon, Étienne built a 60,000-cubic-foot (1,700 m³) balloon for the purpose of making flights with humans. It was about seventy-five feet (23 m) tall and about fifty feet (15 m) in diameter. Réveillon supplied rich decorative touches of gold figures on a deep blue background, including fleur-de-lis, signs of the zodiac, and suns with Louis XVI's face in the center interlaced with the royal monogram in the central section. Red and blue drapery and golden eagles were at the base of the balloon. Étienne Montgolfier was the first human to lift off the Earth, most likely on October 15, 1783.

This poster is a high quality "giclee" reproduction of a restored antique original, custom-printed on Standard Single-weight Matt Coated art paper 140gsm ( flexible option, easier to tack directly on a wall but could also be framed). We use the latest UltraChromeHDX pigment inks which guarantee 60 years of colour  permanence (up to 200 years fade-proof for colour prints).

If you are going to frame this print we recommend you to check our other listing for same print on Heavyweight Matt Coated art paper 230gsm (more of a thin card density) or superb Epson Matt Canvas 320gsm. All our giclee prints are of the same high quality.

POSTER PRINT QUALITY

Please note that our reproduction posters are made to order and every print is checked before posting. The images we use in most cases are scans of antique originals, professionally restored in order to remove the most evident stains, folds, tears and other damage.  We strive to balance the restoration and saving the overall integrity and antique appearance of the original. Our restored images are unique and these prints can be purchased only from VictorianMaps.

There will be no watermark on your image but there might be a white border depending on aspect ratio of the original. Please note that when a large antique original is reduced to a smaller size print some text may not be readable. Please check our measurements: every poster has its own aspect ratio same as original and printed exactly as pictured. 

This high-resolution, museum-grade fine art print is produced from a unique restored image. Printed on premium archival-quality art paper or canvas, it makes a striking addition to any interior as wall decor or a poster, and a memorable gift for lovers of antique and vintage maps, collectors of historic prints, historians, and explorers. Almost indistinguishable from the original Georgian engraving, it adds character and interest to a study, library, or office wall. It also makes a thoughtful gift for all occasions, including Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Father's or Mother's Day.

SAFE SHIPPING

Prints up to A4 are placed in transparent sleeve and posted in cardboard-backed envelope, unless posted together with a larger poster. All posters larger then A4 are rolled in transparent plastic and acid-free tissue paper and placed in heavy-duty postal tube for dispatch / delivery. We do not ship posters folded.

It will be shipped by Royal Mail or other service with tracking and/or delivery confirmation. The P&P includes postage and packaging, and the excess (i.e. for A4 prints) will always be refunded.  International buyers: please check the postage costs and allow extra time for overseas delivery; please be aware that the purchase price doesn't include any possible custom charges.

COMBINED SHIPPING

Shipping for multiple purchases will be combined wherever possible. In multiple item purchase, each additional item postage is charged at £1.00. 

If you intend to purchase two or more items: please first put all our items in Ebay basket / cart, and you will then see a total with combined postage before checkout. For smaller prints sent in an envelope or in a shorter postal tube, postage may end up cheaper and excess will always be refunded.

REFUND GUARANTEE

We would like you to be satisfied with your purchase. If by any reason you are not happy with it, simply return it within 14 days for a full refund.

A good feedback is always appreciated and indicates you have received the item safely. 

Thank you!