Gaia at Norton Priory

In January 2024 Norton Priory Museum and Gardens will be hosting the touring artwork Gaia by UK artist Luke Jerram.  Measuring 6 metres in diameter and created from detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, the artwork provides the opportunity to see our planet, floating in three dimensions.

The installation aims to create a sense of the Overview Effect, 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, ad a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

For centuries, humans wanted to reach the beauty of the moon and the stars above.  And when the first astronaut finally stood on the moon, surrounded by the stars, the most beautiful sight was the Earth, glistening jewel-like in the infinite darkness. 

Gaia, named for the personification of the Earth in Greek mythology, will be suspended in the atrium at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens from Tuesday 9th January to Sunday 28th January 2024.  Viewable from the ground floor as well as from the mezzanine, and visible on the approach to the building, this promises to be an unforgettable experience.  The museum’s opening hours will be changing to allow early evening viewing and a special programme of activity is being curated to sit alongside the installation.  The programming takes its inspiration from the natural world and our shared responsibility to care for the planet.

Planned events include music performances, storytelling, workshops and bespoke moments of mindfulness.  Watch Norton Priory’s social media channels and the Events page of Norton Priory’s website for more details.

Gaia. Photo by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Special evening viewings of Luke Jerram's Gaia in the museum atrium, with an opportunity to view the Grade 1 listed medieval undercroft and the two museum galleries at night.  

The museum looks magical as darkness gathers around the building and sweeps across the excavated remains of the medieval priory complex.

View Gaia from the ground floor as well as from the mezzanine, for a whole new perspective on the planet we call home.  Grab a selfie with the world in your hand, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Please note that due to low light levels, the woodlands will be closed to visitors to 'A Night at the Musuem with Gaia'.  These tickets are only valid for entry from 5:00pm and the museum will close at 7:00pm.  The Brooke Cafe will be closed for evening viewings.

On certain days, when an 'after hours' evening event starts at 7:00pm, there may be a stage and chairs set up in the atrium when you visit. 

Gaia at Liverpool Cathedral for Liverpool City Council’s River Festival, 2019. Photo (c) Phil Longfoot

Mima Cornish from HedgeRose Healing invites you to join us for a very special gratitude event with Gaia, at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.

Set in the stunning atrium, in the presence of Gaia, this is a perfect start to the new year.  Looking at the various elements of Mother Earth, and all that she provides to support and enable our own growth, for a unique opportunity to come together and give thanks as 2024 commences.

Working with meditation and intention, this very special event invites you to reflect and appreciate all the different facets of Mother Earth's being, and make a pledge to do something for her during the coming year.

Places are strictly limited and the session will run after the museum has closed to the general public, providing a magical, reflective place in which to expereince Gaia and find a space for renewal after the busy festive period.

Gaia at Bluedot, 2018, photo by Luke Jerram

Welcome the New Year and wassail the apple trees in Norton Priory's orchard to encourage a good year's harvest.  This event follows a rich tradition of encouraging the spirits to ensure a good harvest the following season.  It involves a visit to our Wassail Orchard - located just behind the museum visitor centre.  Expect singing, dancing, a little drinking (!) and some general merrymaking.  As well as being a time-honoured tradition, it's also the perfect antidote to the January blues. 

For 2024, the event will take place against the backdrop of Luke Jerram's Gaia, which will be exibited in the museum's atrium. Wassailing will be followed by soup and mulled cider served in the museum to warm up after festivities in the orchard.

An opportunity for a truly unique and bespoke experience in the presence of Luke Jerram's Gaia.

The talents of storyteller Gav Cross and mindful practitioner Mima Cornish from HedgeRose Healing come together in a fusion of global wonderment and immersive tranquility.

Let us come together and journey across the wonders of the world via our senses and imagination.  The warm, rich tones of storyteller Gav Cross will inspire and illuminate, while carefully considered meditation from Mima Cornish will allow us to 'journey' there ourselves.  Offering a truly immersive experience of storytelling and meditation, this promises to be a very special one-off experience, all unfolding beneath the gaze of Gaia.

The evening includes a break for refreshments.

Please note: This is an adult only event and is not suitable for children.  All attendees must be 18 or older. 

Gaia at Bluedot, 2018.  Photo by Luke Jerram

Settle down and get comfy for a modern fable about the power of Nature, delivered by professional storyteller, Rogan Mills

This special version of the story is told as a folk tale, delivered as an oral retelling.  The story features two main characters, plus some commuters, and it will be told in the presence of Gaia. 

Rogan Mills' unique storytelling style brings a lovely gentle, human touch to this remarkable tale, and makes for a true early evening treat as a January night gathers around the museum.

Suitable for older primary school aged children.

Gaia, at Inside Out Dorset, 2021.  Photo (c) Roy Riley

Join us for a very special finale event for Gaia, as we invite you to say so long, farewell, auf widersehen and goodnight to this pretty sight.

We have brought together the magical voice of Nicola Mills with the talent of pianist Maria KIng to create an enchanting concert to mark the close of Gaia's time at Norton Priory.  The concert will include a range of songs which reflect nature and the natural world, and offer a wide mix of music to appeal to most tastes.

Nicola's uniquely warm style will bring a sense of wonderment and magic to the evening, and there will be opportunities to sing along during the concert.  It's the perfect finale to Gaia and an antidote to the dark winter nights.

The performance will take place in Norton Priory's stunning atrium, with Gaia as a backdrop, suspended in perpetual motion behind the stage.

The performance will consist of two 40-minute sets, with an interval between them.

Gaia, 2019.  Photo (c) W5, Belfast