From 10th August to 1st November, visitors can encounter huge 9 metre tall Megalosaurus sculptures as Blenheim Palace hosts Dinosaurs Are Forever, a unique exhibition created by artist Jay Jay Burridge.
The exhibition combines art, palaeontology, engineering, creativity, and cutting-edge technology to celebrate the dinosaur that transformed scientific understanding of prehistoric life.
The impressive sculptures by Jay Jay Burridge are scientifically informed reconstructions of Megalosaurus, the first dinosaurs to be named in 1824. Visitors can discover the five sculptures along the pathway which follows on from the Lower Water Terraces, with views of the South Lawn, at Britain’s Greatest Palace.
Working with palaeontologist Dr Matt Dempsey, Jay Jay Burridge combined the original fossil material with new data from its closest relatives, to rebuild the skeleton of a Megalosaurus into a unique and movable structure. Specialist fabricators, whose expertise includes Formula 1 and aerospace engineering, helped transform the reconstructions into full-scale sculptures featuring precision engineered exoskeletons, custom designed joints and a lattice of tendons and arteries, binding the structure together with shock cord and adding tension and flexibility.
Onto the framework, each bone is hand carved from a dense, ultra lightweight material, combining scientific accuracy with contemporary design.
Jay Jay Burridge, British artist, designer, author and former BBC presenter, said: “Dinosaurs Are Forever was born from considering what dinosaurs might become if shaped by the technologies of today. When I moved to Oxfordshire 17 years ago, I set up my workshop in Stonesfield. Only later did I discover that this was where the first dinosaur was unearthed. That connection between place, history and imagination sits at the heart of this work.”
Heather Carter, visitor attraction managing director at Blenheim Palace, added: “Dinosaurs Are Forever is not one to be missed as it brings together history, art, and cutting-edge technology with Blenheim Palace as the stunning backdrop. We’re thrilled to be able to showcase Jay Jay’s artistry and celebrate the incredible full-size sculptures that will come together to create an outdoor exhibition like no other we’ve ever had.”
Dinosaurs Are Forever will bring together decades of artistic exploration centred on dinosaurs, storytelling and immersive art set against the backdrop of the historic Blenheim Palace. Admission to the exhibition will be free with any valid Blenheim Palace ticket or Annual Pass.
To find out more and to book tickets, visit:
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/dinosaurs-are-forever.html