The National Trust has announced that there will be two opportunities to view Luke Jerram’s newest sculpture, Helios, at Basildon Park near Reading this summer. The sculpture will come to Basildon Park for the first time from 15 to 18 August, and then returns from 22 to 25 August.
This dazzling new artwork will be displayed in a picturesque glade in Basildon Park’s Pleasure Grounds with the 18th-century mansion in the background.
Visitors will be able to walk around and directly underneath Helios and gaze up at the radiant sun from below. Bean bags will be available for those who want to stay a while and take in the sights and sounds of Helios.
Basildon Park’s opening hours will shift whilst hosting Helios to enable this awe-inspiring experience to be enjoyed throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Basildon Park will open at noon with the last entry at 9.00pm before closing at 10.00pm. Helios is at its best radiating against darkening skies in a glowing celebration of light and nature.
In celebration of the sculpture, there’ll be many activities to enjoy at Basildon Park alongside Helios.
- Skygazing through solar scopes, talks and activities with Reading Astronomical Society on Saturdays, 16 and 23 August, from noon to 10.00pm.
- Mindfulness and yoga / sound bath, Friday, 15 August, from 5.00pm to 6.00pm, Sunday, 17 August, from 3.00pm to 3.45pm & 4.00pm to 4.45pm, as well as 24 August from 3.00pm to 3.45pm.
- Indian classical dance highlighting Lord Shiva by Kalakunj on Saturday, 23 August from 3.00pm to 3.20pm & 05.00 to 5.20pm.
- Family active sessions with YouMove. 0-5s drop-in Saturday, 16 August from 1.00pm to 2.30pm, family space games from 3.00pm to 5.30pm.
- Find out how space suits keep astronauts safe and try one on with Space Store on Sunday, 24 August from 2.00pm to 6.00pm.
- Tai Chi to lift the mood and enhance wellbeing on Monday, 25 August from 5.00pm to 6.00pm.
- Helios-themed food and drink in the tea room from noon – 4.00pm, drinks van and BBQ on the lawn in the evening.
- Inspired by Helios? Art materials are supplied to let the creativity flow throughout the Helios event.
Helios fuses solar imagery, sunlight and a specially created surround-sound composition, including NASA recordings of the sun, by sound artists Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.
At an approximate scale of 1:200 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 2,000km of the sun’s surface.
The sun has inspired people throughout history as a symbol of life, light and renewal. By blending art with science, Helios invites us to reflect on the forces that shape our planet and recognise our role in serving and protecting the natural world.
Commenting on Helios, the Trust’s Director of Access and Conservation, John Orna-Ornstein, said: “Working with Luke has been such a natural fit for the Trust. Both passionate about the climate crisis and ensuring that as many people can access the arts and culture as possible, Helios presented the ideal opportunity to collaborate.
“Helios provides a simple and bold way to connect the public to the National Trust’s ambitions for the coming 10 years, heralded in its new strategy. It will provide a dramatic focal point for specifically created events and programming, as we seek to engage more people with the benefits of experiencing nature and culture.”
Helios artist Luke Jerram said: “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 cannot wait to see it showcased in some of the most wonderful locations around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Helios continues a long legacy at the National Trust of presenting new and historic art to visitors. For centuries, guests to places now in the Trust’s care were captivated by artworks displayed in houses, gardens and parklands.
Today’s visitors can enjoy those same treasures and experience new artistic interventions designed to complement the historic collection. The presentation of Helios will shine a light on the places the Trust cares for and the benefits they offer the nation through the organisations and community groups the charity works with.
Sebastian Conway, General Manager for Basildon Park, said, “It’s an enormous privilege to be able to host Helios at Basildon Park. Luke’s artworks are visually stunning and a fantastic conversation starter for some of the really pressing challenges affecting society today. Luke’s artworks need to be seen in real life just to see the sheer scale of the installation.
“We want to welcome everybody to come together and have the chance to immerse themselves in this inspiring sensory experience. I can’t wait to see what visitors’ reactions are, and I look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy Helios at Basildon Park.”
Helios can be viewed with normal admission to Basildon Park (free for National Trust members).
