RSN Degree Students are proud to have contributed to an ambitious project called Fields of EveryWhen by international artists, musson+retallick. Fields of EveryWhen is a unique artwork in the form of a 25m high hot air balloon, which brings stories of Thamesmead, in south east London, to life through needlework.

Artists Neil Musson and Jono Retallick, who won the Thamesmead Open, an international art competition organised by Peabody, spent two years working with the Thamesmead community, inviting them 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 has been interpreted by residents, community groups, artists and RSN Degree Students. These designs have been collaged together and digitally enlarged onto 800 metres of balloon fabric to create a spectacular ‘floating gallery’.

Angie Wyman, Degree Course Leader at the Royal School of Needlework said:  “Our Degree Students were really moved by the stories of the Thamesmead local community and it was really interesting to see how they translated them, not only in their designs but also in their chosen embroidery techniques. It was wonderful to bring these unique stories to life with the art of hand embroidery and for the person who shared their story to see how it had been interpreted by the student.”

Neil Musson said:  “It has been a pleasure working with students from the RSN on our Fields of EveryWhen project. We have been really impressed by the way in which the students have interpreted personal stories as embroideries, especially given the sensitive nature of some of the content.”

As well as floating overhead, the balloon can be inflated on its side to create an immersive installation visitors can walk into and view the artworks up close.

The balloon plans to fly over Thamesmead on the following dates:

• Saturday 10 September Birchmere Park, Thamesmead
• Saturday 24 September Crossways Park, Thamesmead
• Sunday 25 September Gallions Reach Park, Thamesmead

All flights take place in the evening from approximately 18:30 – 21:00 with side inflation during the afternoon. All dates and times are subject to change as the balloon inflation depends on suitable weather conditions. Please check www.g-foew.art for updates before planning your visit.

If you are unable to travel to Thamesmead the Fields of EveryWhen website includes an interactive 3D model of the balloon where you can listen to the contributors’ stories and view the artworks in detail.

If you would like to know more about the BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery, please book onto our Online Open Day at 1pm on Tuesday 20 September. Book here.

Gallery shows images of the balloon (Getty); artists musson+retallick and some of the stories stitched by RSN Degree Students.