You may not think art and aviation mix–but think again! Artist Tatiana Ojjeh has, with the support of various sponsors including Farnborough Airport owner TAG Aviation, brought a creative experience to the show in one of the old, vast wind tunnels–situated in the old Royal Aircraft Establishment buildings on the opposite side of the airfield from the Farnborough Airshow site.
Artliner announced in the spring that it planned to use the aircraft research wind tunnels for creative audio and visual experiences, with the opening running from Monday June 9 until the last day of the Farnborough show, Sunday July 25.
The Wind Tunnel Project is a “multi-sensory art exhibition” housed in and around 1917 and 1935 Grade-1 and -2 listed buildings, which are being opened to the public for the first time in history. Closed since the 1960s, the wind tunnels are two of the most complete examples of early 20th century wind tunnels and flight-testing center technology in the world, used to test aircraft including the world Hawker Hurricane.
According to Artliner, the project is a truly unique art program that celebrates the very best of British aviation heritage, with the aim of leaving behind a lasting legacy in Farnborough.
“The project includes a series of events, including music and performance,” said Ojjeh. “We are hugely appreciative of our superb sponsors, namely; Breitlng, Bombardier and Harbert Management…all our sponsors and supporters, including TAG Group…have really bought into the project, which is now set to expose the significance of the wind tunnels in a unique way.”
AIN enjoyed a preview of the wind tunnels in May, with the vast return duct showing incredible acoustics akin to a cathedral. This has been used over the past few weeks to stage dinners accompanied by musical performances.