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Case Study

Heathrow 80th Birthday

By Craig Gunn

Service
Photography

  • The Project

    Heathrow 80th birthday

  • Service

    Photography

The Brief

To celebrate Heathrow Airport's 80th birthday, Heathrow commissioned poet David Larbi, its Poet in Residence, to create a special tribute marking eight decades of connecting the UK with the world.

The centrepiece of the campaign was a poem written by Larbi and inscribed into the grass near Heathrow in large-scale typography. Designed to be viewed from the air, the installation created a unique and memorable experience for passengers flying overhead while highlighting Heathrow's rich history and role in bringing people together.

We were tasked with capturing the installation through photography, showcasing both the scale of the artwork and the significance of the milestone.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY General view of a poem titled ‘Gateway to the World’, which has been inscribed in a field in Hounslow to m

EDITORIAL USE ONLY General view of a poem titled ‘Gateway to the World’, which has been inscribed in a field in Hounslow to mark Heathrow’s 80th birthday, written by author David Larbi, who has been appointed as the airport’s ‘Poet-in-Residence’. Issue date: Wednesday May 27, 2026.Photo: Jake Mobbs Media Assignments / PA27 May 2026

Challenge & Solution

The project required the installation to be photographed from multiple perspectives within a limited timeframe. To achieve this, two photographers were deployed on-site: one capturing the installation from the ground and another operating a drone to secure aerial imagery.

Careful planning and coordination were essential to ensure both photographers captured the required content efficiently while navigating the practical challenges associated with drone photography and working around operational constraints near the airport.

By combining ground-level and aerial photography, the team was able to create a comprehensive visual story that showcased both the detail and scale of the installation.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Author David Larbi is appointed as Heathrow’s ‘Poet-in-Residence’, marking the airport’s 80th birthday wit

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Author David Larbi is appointed as Heathrow’s ‘Poet-in-Residence’, marking the airport’s 80th birthday with a poem titled ‘Gateway to the World’, in Hounslow. Issue date: Wednesday May 27, 2026.Photo: Matt Alexander Media Assignments / PA27 May 2026

Results

The final imagery successfully brought the campaign to life, highlighting the creativity and impact of the installation from multiple viewpoints.

The client was delighted with the results, particularly the combination of aerial and ground-level photography, which effectively demonstrated the scale of the artwork and enhanced the storytelling behind Heathrow's 80th anniversary celebrations.

The campaign also generated strong media interest, securing seven pieces of print coverage, including coverage inThe TimesandThe i Paper, helping to extend the reach of the celebration beyond the airport itself.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Author David Larbi is appointed as Heathrow’s ‘Poet-in-Residence’, marking the airport’s 80th birthday wit

EDITORIAL USE ONLY Author David Larbi is appointed as Heathrow’s ‘Poet-in-Residence’, marking the airport’s 80th birthday with a poem titled ‘Gateway to the World’, in Hounslow. Issue date: Wednesday May 27, 2026.Photo: Matt Alexander Media Assignments / PA27 May 2026

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