A pair of monumental installations by British artist Luke Jerram will be lighting up palatial landmarks in London over the Christmas period. Find out everything you need to know…
Museum of the Moon at the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College © Amy Hughes
Luke Jerram is a British artist whose work spans sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Many of his artworks combine arts, science and engineering, and a number of his latest works draw attention to planetary health. Using NASA data and detailed imagery, the huge planetary sculptures are created to scale and are presented in a variety of positions (hanging or floating on water) in a variety of locations.
From 13 December 2022 to 5 February 2023, Museum of the Moon was presented at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, hanging against the magnificent Baroque backdrop of the Painted Hall (pictured above).
Floating Earth, meanwhile, was a highlight of the Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival, London’s largest free-to-attend light display. The magical globe sculpture could be seen floating in the water of Middle Dock in Wood Wharf from 18-28 January 2023. Jerram’s work returns to London this winter, with two installations lighting up historic landmarks.
Gaia at Southwark Cathedral
Measuring seven metres in diameter, Gaia features detailed imagery of the Earth’s surface. Visitors can stand beneath and walk around the artwork, admiring our planet floating in three dimensions. It will be accompanied by a surround-sound composition specially made by BAFTA award-winning Composer, Dan Jones.
We are excited as we [welcome] the installation of Gaia in the cathedral. Focusing on the beauty of our planet and the wondrous nature of God’s good creation will help us move forward as we seek to play our part in addressing the challenge of climate change. God made all things good; it is we who have caused the damage.
– The Dean of Southwark, The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn
Gaia will be displayed from 11-30 October at Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, SE1 9DA. Tickets from £5. Nearest station: London Bridge. cathedral.southwark.anglican.org
Images © WBacon Photography
Mars at the Old Royal Naval College
Following the sell-out success of Gaia and Museum of the Moon at the Old Royal Naval College, the trilogy of these out-of-this-world sculptures will be completed with the arrival of Mars. The Painted Hall remains one of the most impressive rooms in all of London, often hailed as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’. The installation will slowly rotate against the spectacular backdrop of the Painted Hall, bringing two breathtaking works of art together and merging science with history, myth and allegory.
Several accompanying events are planned, including: Quiet Hour Fridays, for those who prefer a more relaxed environment, such as neurodiverse adults and children; Party Under Mars, an out-of-hours event with a DJ and silent disco (30 Nov); Mars Flow, where visitors can take part in a yoga class beneath the installation, followed by brunch; and Social Media Mondays, that offer a reduced capacity so you can snap that perfect shot.
Mars will be displayed from 23 Nov-28 Jan 2025 at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9NN. Tickets from £16.50. Nearest station: Cutty Sark DLR or North Greenwich. www.ornc.org
Images courtesy of Chloe Nelkin Consulting
