British Airways First Wing
Since early 2018, the High Performance Art Gallery has been working in collaboration with British Airways to provide artworks for the newly opened BA First Wing check-in area.
The first work to be installed is a prominent 2.8 metre tall sculpture by Richard Thornton.
The sculpture was specifically chosen as a central focal point to welcome guests as they enter, evoking feelings of soaring into the open sky.
"As a sculptor my work comes from an observation of the simplicity and elegance of the natural world. In making, I explore the confluence of engineering and sculptural form. ‘Ascent’, embodies the physical act of ‘ascending’ but also reflects the fundamental grace and flow of the concept of flight." - R Thornton
The Gallery will build further on this by introducing works by different artists into the BA First lounges over the coming months.
 Moving Forward by Jill BerelowitzBA First Wing, Terminal 5, London Heathrow Airport |  Red Eagle by Andy BaerselmanBA First Wing, Terminal 5, London Heathrow Airport |  Red Eagle by Andy Baerselman |
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 Red Eagle by Andy BaerselmanDetail |  Red Eagle by Andy BaerselmanDetail |  No.206 Ascent by Richard ThorntonBA First Wing, Terminal 5, London Heathrow Airport |
 No.206 Ascent by Richard ThorntonDetail |  No.206 Ascent by Richard ThorntonDetail |