See Luke Jerram's Helios at Seaton Delaval Hall

A closer look at the sun

Named after the ancient Greek god of the sun, Helios offers a detailed view of the star, including rare features like sunspots. The sculpture is scaled so that each centimetre represents 2,000 kilometres of the real sun's surface.

Along with its glowing light, Helios includes a soundscape featuring NASA recordings of the sun, by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson. Together, the light and sound create a unique and immersive experience, inviting us to explore the sun's hidden beauty and power up close.

At an approximate scale of 1:200 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 2000km of the sun’s surface.

 

Connecting people, art and nature

Through this piece, we're continuing our tradition of presenting new and historic art to everyone. For centuries, places in our care have displayed artworks in houses, gardens and parklands across the country, and this will continue with the help of our partners, supporters and ambassadors.

Seaton Delaval Hall is one such place, where throughout its history its inhabitants have been synonymous with involvement in and support of the arts. From the 18th century commissioning of painter Arthur Pond to produce views of the hall, the backing of erotic novelist, John Clelland, the patronage of William Bell who produced family portraits and tutored Rhoda Delaval, through to the 21st Lord Hastings’ support of The Royal Ballet.

 

 

Helios events

We will be announcing the full programme of activities surrounding Helios very soon. Please check back here for updates.

Making Helios accessible

Helios will be in Seaton Delaval Hall's Central Hall, which is reached via 14 steps. For the last few years, the team here has been working with national specialists in access, archaeology, conservation and heritage to consider how we might make the upper levels of the hall more accessible and provide an equitable experience for all without damaging the fabric of this Grade I listed building. Until we can realise these plans, we have purchased a Stairmate Major stairclimber to improve accessibility.

If you would like to make use of the Stairmate Major stairclimber to see Helios, please book a slot here. If you would like to discuss your requirements with us in more detail, including how we can support you on your visit, please call us on 0191 237 9100. Please note that the Stairmate Major stairclimber provides access to the upper ground levels of the Saloon and Central Hall only. Level access to the Basement can be found beneath the South Portico steps. Level access to parts of the ground levels of the West Wing can be found via the West Wing Kitchen entrance in the Central Courtyard.

 

Helios has been co-comissioned by National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.