After the Moon comes the Sun to light up an historic building
The North East is to be the second port of call for a new Luke Jerram artwork
Artist Luke Jerram, whose Museum of the Moon has wowed audiences at venues including Durham Cathedral and Hexham Abbey, is returning to the region in the spring with another spectacular creation.
His Helios, which has just premiered at Bath Assembly Rooms, is to make Seaton Delaval Hall the second stop on a UK tour.
The work, seven metres across and named after a Greek god, the personification of the Sun, seems certain be a powerful attraction at the popular National Trust property from March 19 to April 6.
Each centimetre of the enormous spherical sculpture, which is lit from inside, is said to represent 2,000 kilometres of the Sun’s surface.
It fuses solar imagery, sunlight and a new composition by sound artist Duncan Speakman and musician Sarah Anderson which includes NASA recordings of the Sun.
Jerram, a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, explains that the work offers a chance to scrutinise the star that sustains life on Earth without suffering the harm that comes with doing so in real life.
“We all know that it is very dangerous to look directly at the Sun, as it can damage our eyesight.
“Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect, its extraordinarily detailed surface including sunspots, spicules and filaments.
“The Northern Lights are one of the greatest wonders and displays of art in the natural world. I’ve incorporated the source of the solar flares which caused this phenomenon to be visible over the UK in May 2024.
“I hope that the soundscape, lighting and sheer scale of Helios will combine to make an extraordinary and uplifting experience for the public and I can’t wait to see it showcased in some of the most wonderful locations around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Understandably, the National Trust wants to make the new artwork it has co-commissioned as accessible to as many people as possible at its own and partner locations.
A programme of complementary events is being put together which will include some opportunities to see the sculpture with free admission.
Further details are to be announced in due course by the team at Seaton Delaval Hall.
Emma Thomas, general manager of the property, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Helios to Seaton Delaval Hall.
“That Luke will tour his work here is a fitting tribute to the creative practitioners who have gone before under the hall’s longstanding involvement in and support of the arts.
“To host Helios is a fantastic launch of the hall’s creative programme for 2025.”
Seaton Delaval Hall’s association with the arts is well documented, incorporating the interests of past residents and the current North East Emerging Artist Award (latest proposals to be showcased in May with the 2024 finalists exhibiting in September).
John Orna-Ornstein, National Trust director of access and conservation, said working with Luke Jerram seemed like a “natural fit” for the Trust.
Both were passionate about the climate crisis and keen to ensure that as many people as possible can access the arts and culture.
During the Helios exhibition, the hall will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with 4.15pm the last admission time. Find full admission details on the Seaton Delaval Hall website.
For full details of the tour locations of Luke Jerram’s latest creation – others have included Gaia and Mars – go to the National Trust’s Helios website.