Experience Giant Sun Sculpture, Helios Light Up Ickworth

A stunning new art installation will go on display at Ickworth Estate in Bury St Edmunds during its UK tour of iconic National Trust places and partner locations.

Helios, is the latest work in artist Luke Jerram’s impressive series, succeeding previous large-scale installations, Museum of the Moon and Gaia. Named after the sun god in ancient Greek mythology, Helios is a seven-metre spherical sculpture that combines light, solar imagery and sounds recorded by NASA to bring the sun’s intricate details into a new light.

Helios’ arrival at Ickworth this May will mark not only its first visit to Suffolk, but also the first time the sculpture will be exhibited in the great outdoors. Suspended in front of the famous Rotunda at Ickworth Estate, Helios will make a stunning sight.

Luke’s innovative installation is lit from within and its detailed surface incorporates solar imagery of sunspots, spicules and filaments. One centimetre of the sculpture represents 200km of the sun’s actual surface. Together with the soundscape created from NASA recordings by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, this immersive experience will allow visitors to explore the intricacies, power and scale of the sun’s surface in a way not previously seen.

Abbi Lang, Experiences and Visitor Programming Manager at Ickworth said, “We have chosen a location at Ickworth that will be most impactful, while at the same time enables easy access to see Helios. The Rotunda backdrop will highlight Luke’s incredible work, while showcasing Ickworth in the way it was always intended, as a canvas for art and innovation.”

Chloe Woodrow, Property Curator at Ickworth Estate said “Ahead of his time, the visionary Earl-Bishop had ambitious plans for Ickworth. A remarkable patron of the arts, Ickworth was to be a place of inspiration, creativity and learning for the next generation, showcasing artworks by some of the greatest masters, and shining a light on up-and-coming contemporary artists. Over two hundred years later, these stories are ever-present as we strive to build upon the Earl-Bishop's vision.

“We are thrilled to be hosting Helios and to complete the celestial trilogy of Luke Jerram's artworks at Ickworth. Helios is a stunning celebration of the Sun as a symbol of light and renewal. It's a privilege to bring such an awe-inspiring and innovative installation to our community and visitors, and to once again celebrate art in all its forms as the Earl Bishop intended.”

Visitors will be able to view Helios from all angles as it is suspended on the North Terrace, in front of Ickworth’s iconic Rotunda. The installation will be accessible for all, with a step-free route leading in front and directly underneath the giant sculpture for a close-up look at the surface of the sun.

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.

“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 has been co-commissioned by the National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London, and continues a long legacy at the National Trust of presenting new and historic art to visitors.

Helios opens at Ickworth on Friday 2 May with an exclusive evening offer to experience the magnificent sun as the day draws to a close. To guarantee entry, advanced booking is highly recommended, and tickets are available to book now on the National Trust website.

Admission to see Helios is free, but normal admission charges apply (free for National Trust members).

Helios at Ickworth:

Friday 2 – Monday 5 May: Tickets run from 9.15am – 3.30pm each day.

Evening viewing Friday 2 May 4.15pm – 7.45pm

Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 May: Tickets run from 9.15am – 3.30pm each day

Book Tickets at the National Trust Ickworth website.