TOWERING over travellers, this flowing piece of aluminium will next see the light of day inside the world's busiest airport.
The 10ft wave of silver metal is one of the final parts of a sculpture welcoming passengers to Heathrow.
But few of those looking at it will realise the artwork has made its own journey from a family-run factory in Hull.
Slipstream, a sculpture inspired by the flight-path of a stunt plane, was built by city engineering firm Commercial Systems International (CSI).
Designer Richard Wilson said: "When playing with a simple concept for a major sculpture, you can sometimes find yourself dealing with a complicated manufacturing process.
"When this occurs, I need to go to a team of construction experts to solve that bespoke build.
"Knowing Commercial Systems International and having worked with them on a major build before, it was obvious they were the only team I knew of in the UK that could put Slipstream together."
When it goes up at Heathrow Airport's terminal two, the sculpture will become one of the world's most- viewed pieces of public art, seen by millions of passengers.
Slipstream is larger than an A400 jet and will be one of the longest permanent sculptures in Europe.
It is being touted by those behind Hull's City of Culture bid as a symbol of East Yorkshire's manufacturing prowess.
"Hull was not that far away from my base in London and offered huge but cheap covered manufacturing space," said Richard.
"It is estimated 20 million passengers will use terminal two each year and they will witness one of Hull's recent proudest achievements delivered from a factory in Hull that will now be in demand from artists around Europe wishing to realise future ambitious works.
"I wish Hull every success with its City of Culture bid for 2017."
CSI took on the project along with Price and Myers structural engineers and has delivered the sculpture to the Heathrow terminal ahead of its opening next year.
Slipstream was designed to trace the imagined flight path of a Zivko Edge 540 stunt plane.
CSI managing director Mike Green said it was a demanding brief but his company specialised in difficult jobs.
"The challenges of using modern techniques normally associated with the aerospace industry have been immense," he said.
"Our multi-skilled workforce were able to adapt and hone their skills to create this complex structure.
"CSI is proud of Hull's heritage and proud we're able to take Hull to England's capital with the Slipstream."
The supply chain for Slipstream has also given Hull businesses a boost, with almost all the raw materials used by CSI coming from East Yorkshire companies.
Mr Wilson, who has twice been nominated for the Turner Prize, was selected to produce it after winning an international art competition organised by cultural agency Futurecity and commissioned by Heathrow.
"This really demonstrates culture is more than just making art," said John Pybus, Hull City Council's lead officer for the culture bid.
"It's about creativity, design and manufacturing and the heritage of the place being used to create something of real beauty and quality.
"Culture is very often seen in very traditional terms and this shows the link between culture and manufacturing, and culture and regeneration."
Councillor Steven Bayes, portfolio holder for the bid, said: "Made in Hull, this piece will be seen by millions of people from across the world and is testament to the skills, creativity and innovation that combine to make our city a worthy UK City of Culture 2017 candidate."
The revamped terminal two is due to open in June next year as part of an £11bn upgrade of Heathrow airport.
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