And I think to myself, what a wonderful world…
It’s been on everyone’s selfie list and over 22,000 visitors have already fallen in love with it. Gaia, the huge artwork of planet Earth is looking out of this world inside Peterborough Cathedral.
The artwork by artist Luke Jerram is proving just as popular as the Museum of the Moon did last year, suspended high inside this iconic building, and it’s here until September 15 – please don’t miss it!
The seven metre diameter sphere, featuring 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface, has been suspended under the Cathedral’s central tower, with visitors awed by its spectacle and inspired to look after the planet.
The Very Revd Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough, is delighted with how the exhibition has been received so far:
“It’s wonderful to see how Luke Jerram’s representation of our beautiful planet has inspired people. The combination of the Gaia artwork with our ancient building certainly gives lots of scope for imagination and creativity. It’s been a joy to welcome so many visitors, not only to see this spectacular exhibition but also to be reminded about the need to take action to conserve and cherish our amazing God-given home.”
One of the main aims of the exhibition has been to highlight the growing threat of climate change, and there have been displays from organisations such as the Eco-Faith Network and Christian Aid. There was also a ‘die-in’ underneath the artwork organised by Extinction Rebellion on August 31.
The final days of the Gaia display coincides with the Heritage Open Weekend on September 14 and 15 and the cathedral will be opening up several different areas you often don’t get a chance to take a look at. So why not take this opportunity to see behind the scenes and take your last chance to see the Earth artwork at the same time?
There are also free Cathedral Highlights Tours as well as ticketed Tower Tours which cost £10 adults (£8 concessions) and you must book in advance.
On Saturday September 14 you can say goodbye to Gaia in style with music for a summer evening to celebrate the culmination of the exhibition, featuring mezzo-soprano Gabriella Pineda-Rodrigues who actually began her career as a chorister in the Cathedral Choir.
The concert will include pieces by Handel, Purcell and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, as well as songs from Les Misérables and The Sound of Music. You’ll get a chance to view the exhibition for the final time during an extended interval.
Tickets are £12 per person and it’s unreserved seating.
To find out more or book tickets for any of the events visit www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.
Photos: Chris Brudenell for ESP Magazine