Jodrell Bank director honoured as heritage hero in giant land artwork

Teresa Anderson strived to get the world’s foremost radio astronomy observatory recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to National Lottery funding.

A giant land artwork – the size of four Olympic swimming pools - has been revealed at Whitby Abbey as part of The National Lottery’s 30th birthday celebrations.

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The ‘Heritage Tree’ has been created by globally renowned artist David Popa, known for designing huge pieces from natural materials.

Teresa is one of seven ‘Game Changers’ who have had a transformation impact on UK heritage and conservation, thanks to National Lottery funding.

Teresa has encouraged people to think about their relation to the universe, with Jodrell Bank providing a space for contemplation, in the same way that people might sit in front of an artwork.

Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to astrophysics.

The vast artwork, measuring in at 5,400 square metres, is Popa’s largest and most complex piece to date.

The breathtaking installation used the renowned abbey’s vast landscape and natural pigments painted on the ground to show Teresa and the other Game Changer’s hands holding the roots of a tree.

Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement is co-located within Jodrell Bank Observatory, one of the world's foremost radio astronomy observatories in Macclesfield.

Teresa champions cultural engagement with science and science heritage.

She says that the story of science tells us something about who we are as a people.

Teresa describes Jodrell Bank as the next step in humanity’s relation to the sky, which dates back millennia, starting with Neolithic tombs that align with the sun, to the moon landing which captured the imagination of the world.

She worked with Tim O’Brien on the case for Jodrell Bank being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which was achieved in 2019.

The First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank was built with the help of £12.5 million of National Lottery funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Teresa said: “Jodrell Bank is more than just a scientific facility; it's a significant cultural and historical landmark.

“Its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed part of my mission to integrate science into cultural heritage, which has been supported by The National Lottery.

“Together with The National Lottery, we opened the iconic First Light Pavilion which features an immersive Space Dome auditorium and beautiful new permanent exhibition, which we hope will continue to inspire the next generation of scientists.”

Sir Tony Robinson, who unveiled the installation, said: “Given the hugely important work of all seven, I am deeply honoured to support The National Lottery’s celebration of these extraordinary people.

“Across the spectrum of our heritage and conservation, the impact of the causes and projects championed by these Game Changers is evident - and the role The National Lottery has played in making this possible has been vital.

“I’m proud to help celebrate their 30th birthday in such a meaningful way."

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive officer, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Our heritage is incredibly diverse, from archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to sweeping landscapes and rare wildlife.

“At the root of each part of our heritage are people.

“People who believe in the value of heritage, who dedicate their lives to preserving and enriching it for all to enjoy, people who are game changers for heritage.

“The creation of a stunning ‘Heritage Tree’ installation at Whitby Abbey honours seven of those extraordinary Game Changers and beautifully symbolises the deep roots and ever-growing impact of each, reflecting our shared ambition to strengthen heritage.

“It’s thanks to players of The National Lottery over the last 30 years, and those to come, that our shared heritage will be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”

To mark the 30th anniversary of the first draw in 1994, The National Lottery is celebrating 30 inspirational people - Game Changers - who have achieved amazing things across the UK in the last 30 years, with the help of National Lottery funding.

The Game Changers were nominated by members of the public and selected by a panel composed of members of The National Lottery family and partners.

They were selected as examples of inspiring, tenacious and committed individuals who developed and delivered National Lottery funded projects to preserve heritage and enhance science and the environment.

National Lottery funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund helped them to make heritage stronger and more financially resilient benefitting communities and economies throughout the UK.

Altogether, 28 Game Changers will be revealed in the coming months at four installations which will focus on an area of National Lottery funding including, the arts and film, heritage, sport and community.

The final two Game Changers will be announced on The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash scheduled for broadcast on ITV on December 31.

For 30 years, money raised by National Lottery players has helped fund thousands of projects that value, care for and sustain the UK's heritage for everyone.

Since 1994, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided £840 million funding and supported 4,800 projects in the North West.

Across the UK, £2.3 billion has been invested in 5,800 museum, library and archive projects.

Since 1994, more than £8.6 billion has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support thousands of projects - like those of the Game Changers.