The National Trust has announced that Berkshire will have two opportunities to view Luke Jerram’s newest sculpture, Helios, at Basildon Park near Reading, this summer .Helios comes to Basildon Park for the first time 15th-18th August, takes a rest then returns 22nd-25th 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.
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 12noon with the last entry at 9pm before closing at 10pm. Helios is at its best radiating against darkening skies in a glowing celebration of light and nature.
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.
In celebration of the sculpture, there’ll be many activities to enjoy at Basildon Park alongside Helios. 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.
- Skygazing through solar scopes, talks and activities with Reading Astronomical Society on Saturdays 16 and 23 August, 12noon-10pm.
- Mindfulness and yoga / sound bath, Fri 15 August, 5-6pm, Sun 17 August 3-3.45pm & 4-4.45pm, and 24 August 3-3.45pm.
- Indian classical dance highlighting Lord Shiva by Kalakunj on Sat 23 August 3-3.20pm & 5-5.20pm.
- Family active sessions with YouMove. 0-5s drop-in Sat 16 August 1-2.30pm, family space games 3-5.30pm.
- Find out how space suits keep astronauts safe and try one on with Space Store on Sun 24 August 2-6pm.
- Tai Chi to lift the mood and enhance wellbeing on Mon 25 August 5-6pm.
- Helios-themed food and drink in the tea room 12noon-4pm, drinks van and BBQ on the lawn in the evening.
- Inspired by Helios? Art materials supplied to let the creativity flow throughout the Helios event.
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.’
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, 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). For more information about Basildon Park and opening times, please see the website
:Images Above Top: Helios from underneath at Seaton Delaval Hall (c) Bec Hughes
Middle: Helios at Bath Assembly Rooms (c) James Dobson
below Basildon Park (c) Hugh Mothersole
