Octave’s maps of the launch site were not to be trusted
2006
graphite on paper
60"x96"
Pierpont spent hours ironing his new Signal Captain uniform and getting ready to be photographed
2006
graphite on paper
60"x96"
at the moment of launch, the quick release jammed and Huffaker lost his cool
2006
graphite on paper
72"x144"
Langley wouldn't let anyone touch his precious ropes and cables
2006
graphite on paper
54"x36"
The pilot: airborne oxygen system check
2006
graphite on paper
42"x42"
The pilot: testing the launch tether
2006
graphite on paper
42"x42"
Lillienthal’s curiously incorrect meteorological predictions made him the primary scapegoat
2006
graphite on paper
60"x144"
Langley postponed the take-off so he could oil the machine for the fourteenth time
2006
graphite pn paper
48"x72"
Huffaker and Lillienthal’s dispute over publicity issues causes them to miss the launch entirely
2006
graphite on paper
48"x108"
The pilot: third attempt to descend
2006
graphite on paper
42"x42"
Miscues, poor signaling and improper use of the target by Pierpont and Chanute all doomed the landing
2006
graphite on paper
66"x144"
The burning hulk of jetpack didn't keep Huffaker from posing for the cameras" graphite on paper
2006
graphite on paper
54"x36"

The Anti-Wright Brothers mis-adventure

All images copyright Ethan Murrow - unless otherwise noted all documentation Clements / Feathergill Photo