This film is part of Free
Balloon Race at Hurlingham
Aeronautical antics at the Hurlingham Club, West London.
Overview
Ballooning was a popular sport in early 20th century Britain; Hurlingham (an exclusive club in Fulham) hosted races most weekends during the summer of 1914, inevitably attracting the attention of the newsreels. Elegant ladies and top-hatted gentlemen gaze on as men are hoisted into the balloon's basket before it slowly, effortlessly ascends. The final shot reveals two majestic balloons in flight.
The Mortimer Singer's Cup was a long-distance race organised by the Royal Aero Club. The 1914 contest, which took place on June 27th, was won by Mr John Dunville, piloting 'Banshee', who made it as far as Folkestone in a single flight. Having been set up as a recreational club for aeronautical enthusiasts, the Royal Aero Club changed its priorities in the years leading up to World War I. Before 1915 the British military had few flying schools, and most military pilots took their Aviator Certificates with the Royal Aero Club. Aeronautical antics are the subject of countless newsreels, which eagerly lapped up upper-class leisure pursuits and sporting contests.
Related
Display at Hurlingham by the 18th Hussars Display at Hurlingham by the 18th Hussars
Non-Fiction 1914 1 mins Silent Location: Hurlingham Ho
Mounted cavalry wow the crowd with acrobatics, fencing and a frenetic pushball game.
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.