Images Dated 24th October 2004

RAF Bristol Blenheim Fighter-Bombers; Second World War, 19

Illustration showing three Royal Air Force Bristol Blenheim mark IV fighter-bomber-reconnaissance airplanes over enemy territory in 1941. This image shows the lead aircraft diving through cloud to bomb a German position

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

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Richard Sands Air Walking at Drury Lane, 1853

Engraving showing Richard Sands (d.1861), the American acrobat, equestrian and air walker, performing at Drury Lane Theatre, London, March 1853. The secret of his performance was apparently rubber suction pads and although this particular show was a success, he died performing this stunt in Massachusetts when the plaster of the ceiling he was walking gave way

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Corradinis Descent on Horseback, 1898

Illustration showing (Frank) Corradini's horse-riding act, which he displayed in Berlin, Paris and Copenhagen in 1898. Corradini and his horse got onto the small swinging platform which was raised slowly to the ceiling, then dropped rapidly to the floor. This required firm control of the horse as any movement might have unbalanced their platform

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans