When Red Balloons Made Stone Look Weightless at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Joydeco London helped create a moment where red balloons appeared to lift solid stone into the air.

We had the privilege of collaborating with Adrian Gray, the internationally recognised pioneer of stone balancing art, on an installation that quietly stopped visitors in their tracks.

Our creative idea was simple, but visually powerful:

to make it look as though the balloons were gently lifting the stone sculpture to the air.

A Setting Where Creativity Is Held to the Highest Standard

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is regarded globally as the pinnacle of horticultural and creative design. Each year it welcomes members of the Royal Family, leading designers, artists, brands, and international media.

The 2025 show was officially visited by Their Majesties The King and Queen, continuing a long royal tradition of supporting the event and the creativity it showcases.
You can read more here: RHSChelsea Flower Show 2025

Being part of an installation in this environment placed our work in a space where creativity, art, nature, and heritage come together on an international stage.

Making Stone Look Light

Adrian Gray’s sculptures are known for their calm strength and extraordinary balance. Carefully placed stones stand in perfect equilibrium, appearing to defy gravity without supports or adhesives.

Balloons, by nature, do the opposite. They rise. They float. They bring movement.

Placing vibrant red balloons at the top of the sculpture created a striking visual illusion. From a distance, it genuinely looked as though the stones were being lifted into the air.

Visitors didn’t simply pass by. They paused. They looked again. They reached for their cameras.

This was visual storytelling through design.

Working Alongside a Recognised Artist

Adrian Gray’s work has been widely recognised beyond the art world, appearing on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, BBC’s Country Tracks, and The One Show, introducing his remarkable craft to national audiences.

Working alongside an artist of this calibre required sensitivity and respect. The balloons needed to enhance the artwork without distracting from it — adding emotion and movement while preserving the integrity of the sculpture.

As Adrian later reflected:

“Joydeco London added a beautiful emotional layer to my work. The balloons brought contrast and movement without taking anything away from the sculpture.”

That quiet balance between art and installation was exactly what we set out to achieve.

A 7am Installation and an Unexpected Moment

We arrived at 7am, before the gates opened to the public.

That morning was particularly special for us for a very personal reason.

The young boy who arrived with us to meet Adrian was the 8-year-old son of the Joydeco London founders. From a very young age, he has been fascinated by stones — collecting them wherever he goes, seeing each one as unique and beautiful, and wanting to keep them all.

When he first discovered Adrian Gray’s stone balancing work, he was completely captivated. The idea that someone could turn ordinary stones into something so extraordinary left a lasting impression on him.

So when he found out that we would be delivering balloons to Adrian at RHS Chelsea, he didn’t hesitate. Waking up early, travelling with us, and standing quietly till the moment to meet Adrian was something he was determined not to miss.

He made it to school on time — but what stayed with us was wondering what that moment might have created in his young mind.

Because creativity doesn’t just decorate spaces.
It inspires the next generation.

Because creativity doesn’t just decorate spaces.
Moments like this are a quiet reminder of why we love what we do.

For us, it was a quiet reminder that Joydeco London is not simply a business. It is a family built on positivity, curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love for design and human connection.

We are truly grateful to every client who allows us to be part of the moments they create. Each event, installation, and collaboration is an opportunity for us to contribute something meaningful — not just visually, but emotionally.

Designed With Intention — Including Sustainability

We used high-quality biodegradable balloons for the installation, aligning our materials with the environmental values that Chelsea represents.

As specialists in luxury balloon installations in London, we believe visual impact and responsible material choices should go hand in hand.

What This Project Represents for Joydeco London

This collaboration reflects how we approach every project.

We may work with simple elements, but we handle them with care, precision, and intention. For this installation, it was 200 red latex balloons — thoughtfully positioned to create a visual moment that complemented the artwork rather than competed with it.

We respect the space we are part of.
We focus on how a small detail can change the way something is experienced.
And we understand how even the lightest touch can create a memorable effect.

At RHS Chelsea, those red balloons didn’t simply add colour — they created the illusion of lifting stone.

An unexpected illusion where floating balloons appeared to lift and balance solid stone.

Planning Something Meaningful?

Whether you are creating an art installation, a corporate event, or a celebration that deserves more than decoration, we would love to help you tell your story through thoughtful, elegant design.

contact us: event@joydecolondon.com

or give us a call on +447577861572

Let's lift moments together