Art / News
Huge model of Earth goes on display at Bristol Cathedral
A magnificent model of the Moon has already been on display in Bristol Cathedral and now it is the turn of the Earth.
Luke Jerram’s Gaia: Our Home Planet is free to view within the cathedral’s nave from Tuesday until November 9.
The model is seven metres in diameter and was created using high-resolution NASA imagery, with the display accompanied by a soundtrack by Dan Jones, featuring recordings from astronauts and sounds of nature.
is needed now More than ever
Gaia is a stunning replica of our planet, created using 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface – photo: Rob Browne
Gaia is named after the Greek primordial goddess who was said to be a personification of the Earth.
On the cathedral website, they say that the exhibition “addresses the Christian perspective on caring for creation, emphasising the spiritual responsibility to protect our planet”.
Luke Jerram speaks next to his inflatable Earth – photo: Rob Browne
Jerram has previously had his Moon on display in Bristol Cathedral – photo: Rob Browne
Jerram, an artist who has also installed a water slide down Park Street and playable pianos across the world, said: “After the success of Museum of the Moon at Bristol Cathedral in 2021, which attracted over 65,000 people, I’m delighted to bring my Gaia Earth artwork to my home city.
“I can’t wait for visitors to the cathedral to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious experience.
“The cathedral is hosting a really exciting and inspirational programme of events that people can get involved with and I’ll also be announcing a new environmental artwork for the region in tandem with Gaia being installed.”
Mandy Ford, the dean of Bristol, says that Gaia “is more than just an installation; it’s an invitation to reflect on our place in the world” – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
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