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Lake Chambon in Auvergne

PhotographerPhotographed by John G. Doughty American, 1858 - 1911

Dateprobably 1885

MediumPhotography; gelatin silver on glass

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 2 3/4 x 2 3/4in. (7 x 7cm)
Other (overall height x width): 3 1/4 x 4in. (8.3 x 10.2cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund

DescriptionView of lake from the shore looking across to the other side. Mountains in the background.

Object number2014.32.27

InscribedRecto, handwritten in white ink: "Lake Chambon in Auvergne"

Recto, handwritten in gold ink: "John G. Doughty, Copy, Winsted, Conn."NotesJohn Gilbert Doughty (1857-1910) of Winsted was active as a photographer beginning in the latter decades of the 19th century. What set Doughty apart from his contemporaries, however, was his decision in 1885 to go aloft to capture views of Connecticut’s countryside. By all accounts the only previous attempt at such photography was an 1860 balloon ascension in Boston. While balloons were used on occasion during the Civil War for reconnaissance, these typically were tethered to provide observers a fixed view of a battlefield or other site. Powered flight was still decades away in 1885, so the one option was still a hot air balloon; or rather a more hazardous coal gas- or hydrogen-filled balloon, which would provide added lift and range compared to simple hot air.

Alfred E. Moore had constructed a new balloon that year with aerial photography in mind. Measuring 80 feet tall and 120 feet in circumference, it was designed to carry up to three individuals, photographic equipment, plus the balloonist’s usual gear (ballast sandbags, an iron grapple or anchor on a long line to slow and finally stop a drifting balloon prior to landing). The basket even featured a square hole in its bottom to facilitate photographing directly down. The first ascension took place on July 29, 1885, but John G. Doughty did not ascend. Doughty's first ascent occurred on September 2, 1885 and his second ascent on October 16, 1885. Balloonist Moore and Doughty planned a longer excursion for October 16, beginning in Winsted and using the prevailing westerly winds to bring them to Hartford; ultimately, they were forced to land in Windsor, where the balloon was snagged by a large chestnut tree.

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