FLEUR de Sel, an installation of three large forms by artists Steve Messam, of Kirkby Stephen, and Hannah Stewart, of Armathwaite, will represent Cumbria at the Venice Biennale 2009.

Each form is ball-shaped and made up from silk and lace parasols which are in various stages of apparent decay.

This will be one of the largest single installations at the 53rd Venice Bienniale 2009 and the only installation spread over more than one site. Each ball stands at more than seven metres high and will spread over a distance of 400m.

The name, Fleur de Sel, reflects the delicate light salt crystals which can be skimmed off the surface of sea water, with reference to Venice’s earliest industry.

It will launch in Venice on Friday, 5th June, at Spatzio Thetis with an English style tea party. The individual installations in various stages of apparent decay can then be seen at three main points across the lagoon.

Fleur de Sel will be in Venice until the end of August when it will then move back to Cumbria. Dates and locations will be announced nearer the time.