'The Clement-Bayard's flight from Paris to London', c 1908

The Clement-Bayard's flight from Paris to London', c 1908. Coloured print of the Clement-Bayard over London on its maiden flight. After making his fortune as a manufacturer of bicycles, motor cars and engines, Gustav Adolphe Clement turned his attention to dirigibles. He established a factory at Levallois-Perret in France and built a series of airships, similar in design to those of the Astra company (Astra Societe des Constructions Aeronautiques) but with elaborate rear rudders in place of stabilisers. In 1908 he completed the first 'Clement-Bayard' airship. The 'Bayard' of the title referred to the great knight Bayard, a figure of whom was the airship's emblem. Six further dirigibles were made and three of these went on to serve in the French Army during World War I (1914-1918). Dimensions: 235mm x 280mm. ©SSPL/Science Museum