Slipstream, Aluminum sculpture at Terminal 2, Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom
Slipstream is an aluminum sculpture in Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport that stretches over 70 meters through the terminal. The structure displays twisting forms that represent the movement of an aircraft through the sky.
Richard Wilson created the work in 2014 as part of the Terminal 2 reconstruction project. The artwork represents a major milestone for contemporary art installations in European airport terminals.
The sculpture merges flight technology with contemporary art, showing how engineering and creativity work together in a public space. Visitors can observe how modern artworks shape everyday experience at an airport.
The work sits between passenger walkways and serves as an orientation point for travelers on different terminal levels. The 77-tonne installation is easily accessible and requires no special preparation to view.
Engineers used computer programs from the aerospace industry to calculate the complex curves of the structure. This specialized technology allowed them to translate the flowing forms precisely into aluminum.
Location: London Borough of Hillingdon
Inception: 2014
Creator: Richard Wilson
GPS coordinates: 51.46967,-0.44967
Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02
Compass Centre
1.8 km
Queens Building, Heathrow
154 m
St George’s Interdenominational Chapel, Heathrow Airport
295 m
Grow Heathrow
2.3 km
Church of St Mary
2.6 km
Harlington Locomotive Society
2.3 km
Skyteam Lounge Terminal 4
1 km
Church of St Mary
2.1 km
The White Hart Public House
2.5 km
Monument at north-western end of General Roy's survey base
1.1 km
Green Man Public House
2.3 km
King Henry Public House The Stables
2.8 km
The King William IV Public House
2.4 km
The Swan Public House
2.5 km
Perry Green
2.4 km
Stanwell War Memorial
2.5 km
Burlington House and Flanking Walls Of Burlington House
2.1 km
Bedfont war memorial
2.2 km
Lanz Farmhouse
2.3 km
Milestone 13 Miles From London
2.2 km
Acacia House
2.9 km
Lord Knyvett's Free School
2.2 km
Milestone
2.5 km
Milestone, Bath Road; Harlington Corner (was Coach & Horses corner, later Arial Hotel)
1.6 km
Milestone, Bath Road; Harmondsworth, near Sipson Lane N side of Heathrow Airport
1.4 km
Milestone, High Street, opp. The Swan PH, W of jct with Oaks Road
2.8 km
Milestone, Bath Road; Heathrow Park, E of village (was opp. Peggy Bedford Inn); 100m into Old Bath Road from Jct. with Colnbrook By-pass
2.6 km
Milestone, Staines Road; Bedfont, by No. 778, 50m E of Ashford boundary
2.6 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes