Around 30,000 people estimated to have visited 'Floating Earth'

Tuesday 26 September 2023

A giant replica of planet earth in Queen's Valley "captivated" Jersey, according to Jersey Water, with around 30,000 people estimated to have visited the floating artwork over 12 days.

Floating Earth – the latest installation in ArtHouse Jersey's 'No Place Like Home' exhibition – was due to be in place at the reservoir until Sunday 24 September, but following the exhibition's success, its closing date was pushed back until yesterday evening.

Luke Jerram’s ten-metre replica shifts attention to the future of our planet in a project developed with the support of Jersey Water.

The Bristol-based artist’s innovative piece has previously been seen in Wigan, Salford, Belgium, and London.

Jersey Water chief executive Helier Smith said: "Floating Earth has quite simply captivated the whole island community."

Mr Smith said the response had been "phenomenal", adding that they were "hugely grateful to everyone who had made it possible".

Pictured: Organisers estimate around 30,000 people went to see Floating Earth over 12 days. (Max Burnett)

ArtHouse Jersey director Tom Dingle added that "it is clear that it has captured the public's imagination".

Organisers estimate around 30,000 people went to see Floating Earth over 12 days.

The installation was also a victim of its own success, with visitors reportedly queuing for over an hour to see Floating Earth, while heavy rain restricted access to the carpark on the weekend.

Deputy Chief Minister Kirsten Morel said the art installation had, along with the Pride festival and the International Air Display, "been of incredible interest to thousands of islanders" in making Jersey "a really interesting place".