New BFG-Inspired Public Art Trail Honors Roald Dahl

Much of author Roald Dahl’s work is about bits of magic hidden in the real world, so it’s appropriate that, in conjunction with the silver screen release of The BFG and the 100th anniversary of Dahl's birth, a new public art trail is serving to do the same. It’s opening up across the UK this week, and turns the aspirations of famous figures into giant dream jars.

Sophie Dahl, Steven Spielberg, Stephen Hawking, The Duchess of Cornwall, Buzz Aldrin, Helen Mirren, Naomi Campbell, and other celebrities lent their dreams to support the project, which is helping to raise money for Save the Children, as well as a specialist nursing program supported by Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. The BFG Dream Jar Trail opens on Saturday, July 9 and will remain on display until August 31.

Each giant Dream Jar (up to six feet tall) will contain a sculpture representing the ambitions of one of the 50 famous participants. Thirty-four jars will be part of the initial rollout, with others added in the coming weeks. They’ll form a trail in London and across the UK, at places like The Museum of Modern Art in Glasgow, The Hayes shopping area in Cardiff, and the Tower of London, before they are auctioned off later this month.

The Duchess of Cornwall‘s dream was rendered by art director Michael Howells. In a press release, she said, “The power of a good story is immense. It starts a voyage of discovery into different worlds that broadens and stimulates our minds. My dream is that every child learns to read and discovers the lifelong pleasure of books.”

Other dreams include swimming alongside a whale (Game of Thrones actor Maisie Williams), a romantic hot air balloon ride (One Direction’s Niall Horan), and a jar based on the thoughts of an ancient Chinese philosopher, who questioned whether our dreams are actually reality (Hawking).

Check out VisitLondon.com to view some of the art, a trail map, and learn more about the project.

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