One Sunderland mug, 6" x 4 1/4", inscribed "The Ascent of the Aerial". Manufactury of Philips & Co, Sunderland. 1790-1810. Image, Transfer print with overpaint; diameter 11cm, width with handle 16cm, height 15cm.

Painted scene on a Sunderland mug, 6' x 4 1/4', inscribed 'The ascent of the aerial' made by Philips & Co, commemorating a balloon ascent. Public balloon ascents began to be held in pleasure gardens after the first successful balloon ascents in Paris during 1783. These events attracted huge crowds and led to an explosion of ballooniana, or balloon art, expressed in paintings, prints and decorated ceramics as well as many other forms.