Portrait of James Sadler, surrounded by views of his balloon ascent from the Mermaid Gardens, engraving, James Taylor, London, 1812

Portrait of James Sadler (1753-1828), the English balloonist. The portrait has been combined with an earlier print, showing views of Sadler's balloon ascent from the Mermaid Gardens, Hackney, on 12th August 1811. These views are:
- Mr. Sadler's first ascension from the Mermaid Gardens at Hackney on August the 13 1811
- Preparing to ascend the second time from Hackney on Thursday Aug^t. 29 1811
- Flying of Pigeons while sailing in the air and in sight of the German Ocean.
- His descending near Colchester in Essex with M^r. Beaufoy after his second Voyage.
- Passing over the Thames and throwing out a loaf to a Gravesend vessel.
- Descending in a Cornfield in Essex. Reaper running to assist.
- Returning to Hackney in a Post Chaise with his Aerial companion Cap^t. Paget.

Given by the Hon. Arthur Villiers

This print records James Sadler's balloon flight to mark the birthday of George, Prince of Wales (later George IV) on 12th August 1811. He took off from the gardens of the Mermaid Tavern in Hackney, along with Captain Paget of the Royal Navy, who was a paying passenger, and landed near Tilbury Fort 73 minutes later.

This object was part of the John Edmund Gardner collection of topographical prints and drawings of London. After Gardner's death the collection passed to his son Edmund Thomas, but was sold to Edward Coates MP in 1910. The collection was sold again in 1923 after Coates' death, and was split between various institutions and private collectors. The portion connected with Hoxton, Homerton, Hackney and Bethnal Green was bought by the Hon. Arthur Villiers and donated to the Bethnal Green Museum.

E.4748-1923