Supporting British Industry & Craftsmanship
The world’s largest manufacturer of hot-air balloons, Cameron Balloons has built over 9500 balloons in its fifty year history. Founded by Don Cameron, who is still Director of the company and works alongside his children, he initially operated the business out of his family home. It graduated to a local church hall before moving to their current premises in South Bristol in 1983.
The factory and technical offices are located in a former printing factory, where a staff of 50 comprising technical specialists and skilled machinists complete most of the processes in-house. Staff turnover is low; the average years of service is more than sixteen, resulting in an exceptional body of experience. There is also an apprenticeship programme, training young machinists who fill the top floor of the factory.
A big portion of their business is creating balloons for Safaris, these large balloons and bespoke baskets can carry up 24 people. Beyond standard balloons, the company is especially known for its custom "special shapes," having built creations ranging from a Fantasia Castle for Disney to a bust of Beethoven and an Orient Express train.
"This shoot was a feast for the eyes. The top floor of the building was flooded with light, with rows of talented seamstresses expertly sewing together huge panels which made up the balloon envelopes. I loved their photo collages next to their stations, displaying their completed projects in flight. A demonstration of how satisfying it is to work with your hands and on something so tangible. The second floor had an envelope that had been filled with air for a test - taking up the entire height of the huge room. I was able to carefully walk inside it and experience the wonderful spectrum of colours that had been designed and cleverly assembled upstairs. Elsewhere on site, I was able to look round the welding workshop, the basket and leatherwork area, the fabric pieces being cut by hand and machine and the design room where ideas are formed and worked out on paper and computer. I was struck by how many processes were being completed in house, with so many skills being nurtured and taught under one roof. I was very glad to hear of their apprenticeship programme and how they seek out local craftspeople to train up and work with. It seems like a really thriving business and an asset to Bristol and its manufacturing scene. I hope it carries on for another fifty years." Carmel King photographed Cameron Balloons in March 2026 for The Archive.
