A breathtaking illuminated sculpture of the Sun is currently captivating visitors at the historic Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, England. The massive artwork, named Helios after the ancient Greek god of the sun, was created by renowned artist Luke Jerram and offers viewers an unprecedented opportunity to examine our nearest star up close. The sculpture has been precisely scaled so that each centimeter represents 2,000 kilometers of the Sun's surface, providing an accurate representation of the celestial body's immense scale.
The National Trust, which co-commissioned this ambitious project, announced that the installation will remain on display at Kedleston Hall until November 2. Zoe Stevens, the experience and programming manager at Kedleston Hall, expressed her enthusiasm about visitors' reactions to the impressive piece. "People aren't expecting it to be quite so big and impressive in that space," Stevens remarked, noting how the sculpture's scale continues to surprise and delight guests as they encounter it for the first time.
The artistic installation goes beyond mere visual impact, incorporating cutting-edge technology to create an immersive experience. Stevens explained that "Helios has been created using lots of imagery of the Sun and it's got a soundscape provided by NASA, which helps us get to know the Sun a bit better closer up." This combination of authentic solar imagery and space agency audio creates an educational and awe-inspiring encounter that allows visitors to appreciate the Sun's complexity and beauty in ways previously impossible.
The project represents a collaborative effort involving multiple prestigious institutions. Stevens revealed that the sculpture was also commissioned by Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College, and University College London, demonstrating the widespread appeal and educational value of Jerram's creation. This multi-venue approach has allowed thousands of visitors across different locations to experience this unique artistic interpretation of our solar system's most important star.
Visitor reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing amazement at the sculpture's impressive presence and attention to detail. Keith Covell, a 56-year-old visitor from Derby, described the installation as "pretty magnificent," adding that "it's slightly enclosed within that room but it gives you a really good idea about what the Sun is like close up." His comments reflect the common sentiment among guests who find themselves both educated and inspired by the experience.
Another visitor, Jeanette Phoenix, 53, from Spondon, was equally enthusiastic about her encounter with Helios. "It's absolutely amazing, it really looks good in the hall - it's framed beautifully," Phoenix observed. She particularly appreciated the multisensory aspects of the installation, noting that "the music's calm as well as the movement of the Sun. Looking up underneath it was really nice." Her comments highlight how the sculpture succeeds in creating both visual and auditory elements that enhance the overall experience.
Kedleston Hall serves as the final destination in Helios's extensive tour across National Trust properties, which began in January. Stevens shared her excitement about hosting the conclusion of this remarkable journey, stating, "It's absolutely amazing watching people's reactions as they come and stand in the doorway of the saloon room - they see the scale of it." The positioning within the historic hall creates a striking contrast between the classical architecture and the contemporary scientific artwork.
The impact of hosting Helios has extended beyond visitor satisfaction to energizing the entire staff and volunteer community at Kedleston Hall. "We've absolutely loved having it. I feel like it's energized everybody," Stevens concluded, emphasizing how the installation has brought new excitement and educational opportunities to the historic property. The sculpture's presence has transformed the stately home into a unique venue where art, science, and history converge to create an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
