Fields of EveryWhen

Winners of the Thamesmead Open were artists musson+retallick. They created Fields of EveryWhen, a stunning 25 metre-high hot-air balloon.  

The balloon showcases over 200 artworks, inspired by the people and places of Thamesmead and created by local residents, artists, and community groups.    

The balloon took to the skies in summer 2022 and 2023 with the top of the balloon rising to 45 metres above the ground.  

Fields of EveryWhen was designed as a performance rather than to carry passengers and was tethered to the ground. The process of setting up, inflating, and deflating the balloon were all part of the theatrical presentation. The artworks were dramatically revealed as the vast canopy filled with air and visitors were able to walk inside (while the balloon was inflated sideways on the ground) to enjoy the artwork. 

The project closed with an exhibition which showcased most of the the artwork used to make the balloon. It was displayed in the library at The Nest and ran from July to October 2023. Artists musson+retallick also presented the library with a tome (a large book) which documents the journey of the project. If you'd like to see when you visit the library, just ask a member of staff.