Having previously collaborated with Brian on the Heart of the House installation at Compton Verney, SHE Knows were approached by artists Musson + Retallick to contribute to their newest project – Fields of Everywhen. Commissioned by Thamesmead Now and Peabody, this project envisioned a “floating canvas in the sky”, depicting the stories of Thamesmead’s residents through images embroidered by local artists. The artwork, displayed on a hot air balloon, is a nod to the barrage balloons that protected the area during WWII, and recalls the methods used to first photograph the area in the late 1800s.

SHE Knows were asked to provide health and safety support for the run up to the event and during the flights of the balloon across various events in Thamesmead over the summer of 2022, and Brian was asked once again to use his skills to help create the pattern for the bespoke balloon.

With both Linda and Brian being seasoned hot air balloon pilots- and with Brian being renowned as a pioneer in home-built hot air balloon design, having drawn up patterns for dozens of BM-Balloons over the past decade- of course we jumped at the chance to be involved!

The project also was of special personal interest to Brian, whose late father was originally from the Thamesmead area and is now immortalised on one of the balloon panels alongside Brian and his two sisters, Ann and Lynn.

This massive project is the result of collaboration between the two artists, Jono Retallick and Neil Musson, as well as a whole team of designers, volunteers and the people of Thamesmead who have given their stories to be displayed in the air.

We are proud have been involved in the whole process of creating this piece of artwork, from Brian taking the reins in the design of the balloon pattern, and with Linda providing health and safety support during the balloon’s flights, culminating in flying at the Qatar Balloon Fiesta in 2023, alongside one of Brian’s other patterns, the Duck.

Silverstone Festival

For the past couple of years, we have had the privilege of working at the Silverstone Festival as the Safety Officer for the hot air balloon display part of the event.

The annual festival, held at the world-renowned Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, features a weekend of fun for all ages, including motorsport displays on the track, classic cars, a funfair, food stalls, and live music performances from stars who in current years have included Olly Murs, Busted, Sugababes and McFly.

Part of the balloon portion of the event includes taking part in a “glow” with the balloons lit up while tethered, providing a stunning and unique backdrop to the live music on stage.

As Safety Officer for the balloons, Brian had the responsibility of ensuring the safety of pilots, crew, and spectators, resulting in a fun (and safe) weekend for all.