New art installation by renowned University graduate is heading to Gloucester Docks

University of Gloucestershire graduate Luke Jerram, whose best-known project Museum of the Moon proved a popular attraction when it was installed at Gloucester Cathedral last year, is bringing a new art installation to Gloucester.

The internationally renowned artist has joined forces with the National Waterways Museum Gloucester to enable visitors to enjoy his interactive experience Crossings – created in collaboration with BBC Radio 4 producer Julian May – at Gloucester Docks.

The installation comprises nine brightly decorated boats on which passengers will hear a selection of 30-minute audio stories from around the world. The stories are combined with the sounds that rowing a boat produces to create an engaging and immersive experience.

The range of recordings include the story of how a 13-year-old used the stars to guide a rickety boat full of refugees across the British Channel, Marine Biologist Professor Steve Simpson tells how underwater recordings of marine life helped to revive life in the coral reefs, while Richard King explains how Japanese fishermen use trained cormorants to catch fish in rivers.

Last year, Luke (left) received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University for his significant international career in the field of public artwork. He studied Art Foundation at the Cheltenham College of Art, one of the predecessors of the University, which inspired his highly successful career. 

His extensive range of exhibitions include Mars: War and Peace, which allows visitors to study in detail the surface of the Red Planet, which was recently on display at the 2023 Kensington and Chelsea Festival.

Crossings will be held at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester from 9 August to 3 September.

Main image: Luke Jerram’s exhibition Crossings is heading to Gloucester (Photo credit: Matthew Keenan)