An inspirational leader has been celebrated as part of a giant artwork marking the achievements of influential people who have had an impact on heritage and conservation.
Teresa Anderson – who lives in Derbyshire and is director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement in Cheshire – was instrumental in securing UNESCO world heritage status for the renowned observatory site in 2019.
She is a champion for cultural engagement with science and science heritage, and describes her workplace as providing the next step in humanity’s relation to the sky.
She has encouraged people to think about their relationship to the universe, with Jodrell Bank providing a space for contemplation in the same way that people might pause to admire an artwork.
Her work has been recognised with numerous awards – including being appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to astrophysics.
Now, Ms Anderson has been included in a 5,400 sq m artwork (about the size of four Olympic swimming pools) at Whitby Abbey in Yorkshire, which was commissioned to celebrate 30 years of The National Lottery.
The piece is known as The Heritage Tree and was created by artist David Popa to recognise seven people who have had a significant impact in the fields of art, heritage, sport and community.
It was unveiled by actor and broadcaster Tony Robinson, who 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.”
The artwork is Mr Popa’s largest and most complex to date.
It makes use of Whitby Abbey’s vast landscape and natural pigments painted on the ground to show seven hands holding the roots of a tree.
Each of the hands represents one of those who has been recognised as part of the artwork.
Ms Anderson 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.”
She continued: “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.”
The First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank was built with the help of £12.5 million of lottery funding.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commented: “At the root of each part of our heritage are 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 National Lottery will celebrate a total of 30 inspirational people to mark its 30th anniversary.,
They were each selected for being inspiring, tenacious and committed individuals who developed and delivered lottery funded projects to preserve heritage and enhance science and the environment.
Four installations – being unveiled in September and October – will celebrated 28 of those chosen, while the final two will be announced on New Year’s Eve.
Since 1994, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has provided £840m funding and supported 4,800 projects in the North West.
Across the UK, £2.3bn has been invested in 5,800 museum, library and archive projects.
Since 1994, a total of more than £8.6bn has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support thousands of projects.
