EXHIBITION: Helios in the Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, London
Image courtesy: https://ornc.org/

On a crisp January morning, I found myself standing before the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. The historic site, renowned for its Baroque architecture, was about to unveil something extraordinary. Luke Jerram’s latest masterpiece, ‘Helios’, was making its London debut in the Painted Hall. (ornc.org)

Luke Jerram, celebrated for his large-scale installations, had previously mesmerised audiences with ‘Gaia’ and the ‘Museum of the Moon’. Now, he turned his gaze to our closest star. ‘Helios’ is a seven-metre sculpture, meticulously detailed to represent the sun’s surface. Every centimetre of this internally lit artwork corresponds to 2,000km of the sun’s fiery expanse. (ornc.org)

As I stepped into the Painted Hall, the grandeur of the Baroque interiors took my breath away. Suspended gracefully was ‘Helios’, radiating a warm, golden glow. The installation was accompanied by a surround-sound composition, enhancing the sensory experience. The fusion of art and science was palpable, inviting visitors to explore the sun’s profound impact on human history and culture. (ornc.org)

The Old Royal Naval College had curated a series of events to complement ‘Helios’. Every Thursday, the Painted Hall extended its hours for ‘Thursday Lates’, offering a unique night-time viewing. For those seeking tranquillity, ‘Quiet Hour Fridays’ provided a serene environment with reduced visitor numbers. And on the first Sunday of each month, entry was available at a special rate, making the experience accessible to all. (ornc.org)

Valentine’s Day promised to be unforgettable with a fine dining experience under the glow of ‘Helios’. The fusion of art, history, and gastronomy was set to create an evening of romance and wonder. (ornc.org)

As I left the Painted Hall, the image of ‘Helios’ lingered in my mind. Luke Jerram had not only captured the essence of the sun but had also illuminated the rich history of the Old Royal Naval College. This exhibition was a testament to the power of art to inspire and educate.

• Dates: 25 Jan – 25 Mar 2025

• Location: Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN

• Tickets: £16.50

• Social Media Mondays: Every Monday | 10.15am – 11.15am

• Thursday Lates: Every Thursday | Open to 8pm

• Quiet Hour Fridays: Every Friday | 10.15am – 11.15am

• First Sundays: Visit Helios on the first Sunday of the month and gain full entry for only £5.

• Booking: Visit the official site: ornc.org