From 10th August to 1st November, Blenheim Palace will present Dinosaurs Are Forever, a unique exhibition created by artist Jay Jay Burridge, bringing together contemporary art, palaeontology, engineering, creativity, and cutting-edge technology in a striking reimagining of Britain’s most significant prehistoric discoveries.
Visitors can encounter five life size, 9 metres long Megalosaurus sculptures positioned within Blenheim Palace’s historic landscape. The sculptures are scientifically informed reconstructions of Megalosaurus – the first dinosaur ever to be scientifically named in 1824.
Working with palaeontologist Dr Matt Dempsey, Jay Jay Burridge referenced both the original fossils and close 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