Luke Jerram's touring artwork Gaia is coming Wells Cathedral this Autumn, and will be on display in the Nave of the Cathedral from October 11 – November 10.

This internally-illuminated, slowly spinning artwork of the Earth measures 7 metres in diameter—around 1.8 million times smaller than the planet beneath our feet—and features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth's surface. Visitors have the chance to see our planet from distance, floating in three dimensions; a view last seen by astronauts on NASA's Apollo 17 mission exactly 50 years ago.

According to the artist, the installation creates a sense of the Overview Effect, which was first described by author Frank White in 1987. Common features of the experience for astronauts are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

Luke Jerram said: "I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the Earth as if from space: an incredibly beautiful and precious place. An ecosystem we urgently need to look after – our only home.

"Halfway through the Earth's sixth mass extinction, we urgently need to wake up, and change our behaviour. We need to quickly make the changes necessary, to prevent run away Climate Change."

A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning Composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture during visiting hours (detailed on the Cathedral's website).

Stewards of the Earth

Centred around this awe-inspiring artwork, Wells Cathedral has organised a Stewards of the Earth project. This project seeks to encourage visitors to reflect on the planet, environmentalism, and climate change, and to consider our place and responsibility towards the world.

There will be plenty of ways for people of all ages to get involved in the project. Throughout Gaia's visit, there will be a series of fascinating interpretation boards, stalls and displays from local and national environmental charities, a collaborative artwork for children to participate in, and more.

During October half term, the Cathedral will be hosting felting workshops for children to come and make their own planet Earth! One-hour slots will be bookable via Eventbrite with a suggested donation of £2 per child, and the artworks can be taken home as a lasting memory of a visit to Gaia.

Artist Robert Davies who displayed some of his work in the Cathedral in 2020 in an exhibition titled 'Lumen' is returning to exhibit his work: 'Tree'. The film, accompanied by music from composer Nils Frahm,  is about the demise of an ancient woodland visible twice each day at low tide between Borth & Ynys Las in Ceredigion, on the west coast of Wales, and a reminder of the vulnerability of our coastal communities that are being put at risk by sea level rise. Robert says about the work:

"I have spoken to scientists who worry that the raw data is too dry, and abstract, and so many have started working with artists and communicators to develop a narrative that is more successful in telling this story. The hope is that public awareness will hasten legislative change."

Each Tuesday at 7pm there will be an environmentally focused talk given by local experts including Rosie Walker from the Woodland Trust, Steve Mewes from the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Rob Walrond the Rural Life Advisor for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, and Luke Jerram, Gaia's artist. Tickets for the talks will be bookable via Eventbrite: £5 tickets for adults and £2.50 tickets for children and students.

Visitor information:

Monday – Saturday: 9am – 4pm; Sunday: 12pm – 2pm; 4pm – 6pm

Open Evenings: 6.30pm – 8.30pm (dates tbc)

Admission to Wells Cathedral and to see the Gaia exhibition is by donation.

Suggested donations are:

Adults: £6; Concessions: £5; Families: £15; Open Evenings: £4pp

For more information about Gaia at Wells Cathedral and the Stewards of the Earth project, visit www.wellscathedral.org.uk/gaia/