Wintering Haven at Southbank Centre

Haven has slept through winter.  Its plants left standing, offering seeds and shelter to hungry birds and hidden life. 

This short film, captured in the plants’ dark and dormant period, weaves together the city's pulse—the rumble of Waterloo’s trains, the hum of industry, and the voices of birds, usually lost in the noise.

In this form the seed heads and nesting sculptures are vessels for new life; cradles of growth and new beginnings.

This short film was shot by Eleanor Goulding on the roof of the Queen Elisabeth Hall in winter 2024.

Haven was originally commissioned by Southbank Centre as part of their Planet Summer programme with support in kind from Wildflower Turf Ltd. Curated by Cedar Lewisohn with Mark Healy.

Haven is a collaborative work with garden designer Maeve Polkinhorn located on a balcony of the Queen Elizabeth Hall and is extended until 2027.