DURHAM Cathedral’s famous Rose Window is set to be recreated with thousands of recycled plastic bottles as part of this year’s Lumiere spectacular.
With just four weeks to go to Lumiere in Durham, members of the public will be invited to help “Grow the Rose” as the life-sized installation takes shape in the cathedral’s Cloister - and donate to two worthy causes at the same time.
Lumiere producers Artichoke have commissioned local artist Mick Stephenson to build Litre of Light, with this year’s charity campaign helping bring light to communities across the world, as well as supporting one of Britain’s best-loved buildings.
Mr Stephenson said: “I’m really pleased to be working again on the Lumiere Litre of Light charity campaign.
“The Rose Window in Durham Cathedral is such an iconic feature, it was the first thing I thought of for the artwork.
“I’m looking forward to building the rose, bottle by bottle, and helping raise money for these two wonderful causes - Durham Cathedral and the My Shelter Foundation.”
From Monday (October 19) people can help by donating a suggested minimum £2 for each bottle he uses, and for a donation of £5 or more, to leave a message in a bottle.
Mr Stephenson has a track record of turning rubbish into beautiful illuminated art. He was one of the first winners of the Lumiere Brilliant competition for local artists, and his artwork Fusion, made from thousands of thrown-away objects, was one of the most popular installations in 2011.
At Lumiere Durham 2013, he built a structure to showcase the pioneering technology My Shelter Foundation use to bring light to homes without electricity in developing countries and disaster areas.
By filling a plastic bottle with water and inserting it through a hole in a roof, it can give as much light as a 50-watt bulb. The charity also distributes small solar cells to bring light through the night.
No donations of bottles will be needed for Litre of Light - they will be collected and decorated by 40 Brownie, Guide and Rainbow packs in County Durham.
Young people in 25 schools across the county will also decorate bottles as part of a series of global education workshops about the importance of light and the challenges of living in areas without access to light.
Durham Cathedral head of development Gaye Kirby said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Litre of Light charity campaign and look forward to seeing the artwork develop over the next few weeks.
“Mick’s commitment to bringing light to disadvantaged communities across the globe is truly inspirational and we encourage people to visit us over the next four weeks to support this wonderful project, which will also help us to care for this magnificent Cathedral.’
Donate from today (Thursday, October 15) online at http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/artichoketrust/litreoflight or in person through the dedicated donation box in the Cloister from Monday (October 19).
Messages left online will be public. A private message can be added with a £5 donation or in person at Durham Cathedral.
Lumiere, commissioned by Durham County Council with support from Arts Council England and other sponsors, will be held over four nights from November 12 to 15.
For the full list of artists and installations go to www.lumiere-festival.com.
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