Liverpool Cathedral hosts Luke Jerram's Sun in a celestial first
First it was the moon, then Gaia the Earth. Now artist Luke Jerram is set to return to Liverpool Cathedral this spring with his spectacular new artwork Helios.
The cathedral will be the first venue in the Northwest to host the stunning spherical and internally illuminated work which brings our Sun – which is 93 million miles from Earth - into close and detailed view.
Helios will be on display in the Well from April 4 to May 9, apart from April 17-19 when it will be taken down for Easter services.
The artwork is a co-commission between Liverpool Cathedral, the National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.
Measuring 23ft (seven metres) in diameter, every centimetre of the artwork represents 1,240miles/2,000km of the Sun’s surface, highlighting sunspots, spicules, filaments, and even the origins of solar flares that recently brought the Northern Lights to the UK.
Visitors will also be immersed in a specially commissioned surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, featuring fire sounds, NASA solar mission recordings, summer beaches, and uplifting ambient music, connecting audiences with the Sun’s role in life, health, and culture.
Above: Museums of the Moon at Liverpool Cathedral in 2018. Top: How Helios could look in the cathedral's Well. Photo by Gareth Jones.
Jerram says: “The importance of the Sun for all life on planet Earth cannot be understated. It has fascinated scientists, inspired musicians, poets and artists, in societies right across the world.
“Helios not only offers an up-close view of our most vital celestial body but also sparks conversations about the environment, mental health, and the unifying power of the Sun across cultures.
“As a focal point for community and culture in the city and venue of national importance, I’m delighted that Liverpool Cathedral will be one of the first venues to present Helios.
“My 'Museum of the Moon' and 'Gaia' artworks were incredibly popular when they were presented at the cathedral, and I hope that Helios provides an equally uplifting experience for visitors.”
Above: Gaia in Liverpool Cathedral in 2019.
The artist’s Museums of the Moon was staged at the cathedral in 2018, attracting 62,000 visitors, while Gaia, which followed in 2019, was seen by an estimated 200,000.
This latest visit will make Liverpool Cathedral the first venue in the world to display all three of Jerram’s celestial artworks.
Dean of Liverpool, the Very Rev Dr Sue Jones, says: “We’re thrilled to be the first cathedral to host Helios as we continue working closely with Luke Jerram on this wonderful line up of celestial installations.
“Helios is a stunning celebration of the Sun’s life-giving power and its significance across cultures and faiths. It’s a privilege to bring such an awe-inspiring installation to our community and visitors, reaffirming our place at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life.
“We’re delighted that Helios will be installed over the Easter period which helps us to reflect on light and the life giving light of the resurrection which brings new life. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience this breath-taking artwork in our magnificent space.”
Helios will be staged at Liverpool Cathedral from April 4 to May 9. More details HERE
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