03
Oct
Here comes the sun as Helios solar display arrives at Fountains Abbey
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Fountains Abbey, the UNESCO World Heritage Site near Ripon, will see a sun rising and setting as never before over the next couple of weekends.
Helios, a seven metre speherical sculpture, created by internationally-renowned multi-discipline artist Luke Jerram, has a wow factor as it provides a combined solar sensation of sights and sounds in the sacred surroundings of the ruined abbey.
The nave of the 12th century building, where Cistercian monks used to gather at daybreak to say their lauds prayers, is a fitting location for the impressive installation which, within the building's east-west orientation, is aligned to the solar cycle.
Artist Luke Jerram with his Helios installation.
Daisy Shepherd (11), Millie McDaid (12) and Emily Parker-Welsh (11) from Harrogate 'catch some rays' from Helios at Fountains Abbey. Pic: J Shepherd
The bright orange Helios sphere illuminated from within and covered in detailed solar imagery, is accompanied by a soundscape created from NASA recordings of sounds from the sun, including those emitted by solar flares.
It provides a unique immersive experience that brings the science and beauty of the sun to a World Heritage Site for the first time.
The installation will allow visitors to experience the sculpture in both daylight and twilight, when its glow will become even more atmospheric against the autumn skies and floodlit abbey.
Artist, Luke Jerram is silhouetted in front of Helios at Fountains Abbey . Pic: Anthony Chappell-Ross
Artist Luke Jerram stands underneath Helios, suspended in the nave of Fountains Abbey. Pic: Anthony Chappell-Ross
Over 28 years, Mr Jerram's thought-provoking artworks, which include sculptured spheres of the Earth, Moon, and Mars, have captured the imagination of audiences across the world, with 900 displays in 40 countries at locationss ranging from cathedrals to railway stations and now, a ruined abbey.
He told the Stray Ferret:
Fountains with its long and distinguished history and superb surroundings, is a perfect place for the Helios installation, providing a size and scale that is awe-inspiring.
I am delighted to have this opportunity to bring the sun to this wonderdul place.
A view from the west of the ruined abbey,
Helios is free to view with normal admission from 10am-4pm on October 4,5,11 and 12. Tickets for special sunrise and sunset events are on sale via the Fountains Abbey website.
Justin Scully, the National Trust's general manager at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.
Justin Scully, the National Trust's general manager for Fountains and Studley Royal Water Garden, said:
In recent years we have staged a series of eclectic installations within both the water garden and the setting of the ruin.
They have added to the visitor experience, illustrating how contemporary art and ancient architecture can go hand in hand,
Weather update
Fountains Abbey will be closed tomorrow (Saturday October 4) due to Storm Amy, which means Helios will first be open to the public on Sunday. You can find out out more by clicking here.
The Stray Ferret will also provide an update.
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