Step into the sun: Luke Jerram's 'Helios' lights up Lewisham for Downham Centenary
From Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 June, visitors can experience Helios, a stunning, 7m-in-diameter illuminated sculpture inspired by the sun. Featuring rippling light effects, solar imagery, and actual sounds of the sun captured by NASA, this immersive artwork invites audiences to see our nearest star in a whole new light.
Helios has been co-commissioned by National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London. It is free to attend and will be open daily from 7am to 11pm. The installation is located at Durham Hill, near Downham Health and Leisure Centre, 7–9 Moorside Road, BR1 5EW.
Luke Jerram, the Bristol-based artist behind Helios, is celebrated for his large-scale celestial artworks. Following his acclaimed pieces Museum of the Moon, Mars, and GAIA, which captivated audiences in Lewisham during the 2022 London Borough of Culture, Jerram’s latest work now turns to the sun. Named after the Greek god of the sun, Helios offers a detailed, scaled representation of the solar surface, with each centimetre equating to 2,000 kilometres. The sculpture even includes rare solar features such as sunspots.
The display of Helios is part of a year-long programme celebrating the Downham Centenary, commemorating a century since the first families moved into the Downham Cottage Estate. In partnership with organisations like Phoenix Housing, the community has come together to revitalise green spaces, create public art, and showcase local talent through photography and zine-making. These efforts culminated in a public exhibition celebrating Downham’s rich past, vibrant present, and exciting future.
Councillor Sakina Sheikh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Sports, said:
“It’s a huge pleasure to welcome Luke Jerram’s work back to Lewisham, especially as part of the Downham Centenary. His previous installation, GAIA, was a highlight of our Borough of Culture celebrations, and Helios promises to be just as inspiring.
This installation is the result of a growing and meaningful partnership between Lewisham Council and the National Trust, developed through our joint work in support of the Downham Centenary alongside the local community in Downham. Downham is one of only three non-National Trust locations, and the only one in London, on the national Helios tour. We’re proud that our borough is leading the way in making world-class cultural experiences accessible to all.”
Helios artist Luke Jerram said:
“We all know that it is very dangerous to look directly at the sun, as it can damage our eyesight. Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect, its extraordinarily detailed surface including sunspots, spicules and filaments.
“The Northern Lights are one of the greatest wonders and displays of art in the natural world. I’ve incorporated the source of the solar flares which caused this phenomenon to be visible over the UK in May 2024.”
“I hope that the soundscape, lighting and sheer scale of Helios will combine to make an extraordinary and uplifting experience for the public and I cannot wait to see it showcased in some of the most wonderful locations around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”
Jo Dimitri, Senior Programme Manager for London at the National Trust said:
“Helios continues a legacy at the National Trust of presenting new and historic art, and we are delighted that Helios will be visiting Downham as part of the Downham Centenary celebrations. The National Trust has a long-standing relationship with Lewisham, going back to Octavia Hill, one of our founders, and more recently working together with Lewisham Council, partners, and residents to improve access to nature and find ways to create more and better neighbourhood green space.
Bringing Helios to Downham brings to life our work to inspire people about nature, arts and culture and we are excited to be part of the community’s event. We have been working with partners, local artists and community groups on a fantastic programme of activities including seed-planting and creative workshops inspired by Helios.”
Please note: The installation is weather-dependent and may close in high winds. Check our social media for updates.