When the Balloon Bursts

As we’ve heard so far in Puffed Up, compressed air has changed the world in many wonderful ways – but not every air-powered invention stood the test of time. In this episode, Professor Mark Miodownik looks at the promising pneumatic technologies that just ran out of steam…

With technology historian Tom Standage, Mark first unearths the remarkable pneumatic postal networks of the 19th century. These air-powered tube networks shot messages beneath the streets of cities like London, Paris and New York – almost like a Victorian email system. At their peak, the networks stretched for hundreds of kilometres and could carry small parcels… and, on one famous occasion, even a bewildered cat.

And self-described ‘sewing sociologist’ Kat Jungnickel reveals that the Victorians were also using it in fashion garments. From inflatable hoop skirts to blow-up bustles, Mark discovers how compressed air briefly made a foray into women’s clothing: helping them take up more space in new and sometimes controversial ways.

Nevertheless, outcompeted by flashier tech, these bright ideas just weren't destined to stay afloat.

Producer: Mel Brown
Assistant Producer: Alex Rodway
Presenter: Mark Miodownik
Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem