The Jurors by Hew Locke at Runnymede and Ankerwycke

Runnymede is home to ambitious public artworks that have been created in response to its significance in the history of democracy.

The Jurors artwork by Hew Locke, at Runnymede in Surrey
The Jurors by Hew Locke

The Jurors art installation in low winter sunlight Play Video

About the artwork

Chair 4 of The Jurors by Hew Locke

About the art 

In this ancient meadow stands a remarkable artwork of twelve bronze chairs, each representing key moments in the struggle for freedom and equality. But The Jurors is not a memorial, it is an artwork exploring the ongoing significance of Magna Carta.

Hew Locke unveiling The Jurors installation, accompanied by Prince William

About Hew Locke 

Hew Locke’s work varies from large-scale wall bead hangings through to small-scale, layered drawings. Throughout his work you will find reappropriation of the emblems of power, each reproduced, and embellished in an exploration of history, and how the past is represented today.

Runnymede, Surrey

The dedication of The Jurors at Runnymede 

See the dedication written for the artwork by Owen Sheers, poet, author and playwright performed at in June 2015 at a international gathering at Runnymede to mark the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta.

Get more from your visit to The Jurors

Hew Locke unveiling The Jurors installation, accompanied by Prince William

Download an audio guide 

Download our audio guide, presented by the artist Hew Locke, to help you make the most of your visit to the artwork. Please make sure you download the audio to your phone or audio device in advance, as the mobile and internet coverage at Runnymede is unreliable.

The Jurors leaflet

The Jurors digital leaflet 

Download our leaflet about The Jurors to explore the stories inscribed on the piece.

If you're planning on visiting The Jurors, please download the audio to your phone or audio device in advance as the mobile and internet coverage at Runnymede is unreliable.

Close-up of chair from The Jurors artwork under construction Play Video
Video

The Jurors: How it was made

As with any bronze artwork, the process of making the work involves many people and different processes. As well as Hew’s work in his studio, he worked with modellers to create many of the panels and then with a Meltdowns foundry in Ramsgate to cast and assemble the artwork. The work was produced by the arts organisation, Situations. In this video you can discover the process of creating the artwork.