Hew Locke, The Jurors, Art at Runnymede. Image © Max McClure / Situations

The Jurors is an artwork by Hew Locke for Runnymede, Surrey, UK to mark the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta. Commissioned by Surrey County Council and National Trust.

Twelve intricately worked bronze chairs stand together on this ancient meadow. Each chair incorporates symbols and imagery representing concepts of law and key moments in the struggle for freedom, rule of law and equal rights. The Jurors is not a memorial, but rather an artwork that aims to examine the changing and ongoing significance and influences of Magna Carta.

The jury system, a central feature of the British justice system and many others around the world, has its origins in Magna Carta. The chairs seem to be awaiting a gathering, discussion or debate of some kind: an open invitation from the artist for the audience to sit, to reflect and, to discuss together the implications of the histories and issues depicted. 

Visit www.artatrunnymede.com to explore the stories, including the making of the work, and to read the dedication, written by poet and writer Owen Sheers, for the unveiling of the work on 15th June 2015. Scroll over the chairs.

Funded by: Surrey Country Council

Loaned to and maintained by: The National Trust

Produced by: Situations

Hew Locke, The Jurors, Art at Runnymede. Image © Max McClure / Situations