Art takes to the air as Thamesmead balloon takes flight
It is quite a sight.
The Thamesmead balloon had its official unveiling in Southmere Park on Monday, with another flight planned there for Saturday as the highlight of the annual Thamesmead Festival.
It can also be seen at Birchmere Park on September 10, Crossways Park on September 24 and Gallions Reach Park on September 25.
All flights are take place in the evening from approximately 6.30-9pm – weather permitting.
The balloon does not take passengers but will be tethered to the ground and rise 45 metres.
The eye-catching, multi-image canopy has been created by artists Neil Musson and Jono Retallick – winners of the Thamesmead Open art competition.
They have spent two years working with the Thamesmead community to create an ambitious new artwork Fields of EveryWhen.
The artists have designed and built the 25 metre-high hot-air balloon showcasing more than 200 artworks inspired by the people and places of Thamesmead and created for the project by residents, artists, and community groups.
These designs have been collaged together and digitally enlarged onto 800 metres of balloon fabric to form an ‘floating gallery’.
Over two years, the artists invited everyone with connections to Thamesmead to share their personal memories and remarkable tales to capture a contemporary snapshot of the area.
Inspired by the embroidered storytelling of the Bayeux Tapestry, each of the stories have been interpreted by residents, artists, and community groups in embroidery, textiles and paint.
Students from the Royal School of Needlework have also worked with the artists to interpret the stories and stitch designs.
The stories reflect the global community who have made Thamesmead their home, bringing together residents from Nigeria, Uganda, Mexico, France, Poland, and the longstanding Traveller community.
Historic landmarks including the Royal Arsenal ammunition ‘tumps’, the Thamesmead Clock Tower, and Crossness Pumping Station feature among the artworks.
From everyday memories of a squirrel spotted on a lockdown walk and a childhood recollection of life in a traveller’s wagon on Belvedere Marshes, to tales of remarkable lives, Fields of EveryWhen weaves ordinary and extraordinary stories together.
Pictured top: The balloon over Thamesmead (Pictures: Mike Hulme Surrey Visuals for Peabody)