Uh oh, you are using an old web browser that we no longer support. Some of this website's features may not work correctly because of this. Learn about updating to a more modern browser here.

Skip To Content

8 celebrities share their dreams for children

This summer, 50 magical Dream Jars have appeared in London and around the country to mark the launch of The BFG film.

Each one holds a sculpture that brings to life a famous person’s dreams, and they’re being auctioned in aid of Save the Children (if you spot one you like – you can place a bid!). Here are 8 of our favourite jars and the celebrity dreams who inspired them…

1. Dominic West

Actor Dominic West’s dream was inspired by a recent trip to meet Syrian child refugees living in a camp in Jordan.

“My dream is that every child will feel safe and protected,” he says.

“There are millions of children around the world who have had to flee their homes because of war and conflict. I want people to look at my jar and be reminded of the importance of really simple, basic things like a home and a safe space to play in.

“It’s inspiring to see the work Save the Children does to keep the dreams of children living in refugee camps alive – making sure they get an education, but also just letting them be a kid again.”

Dream Jar location: Outside St Paul’s Cathedral (West), London EC4M 7AQ.

2. Arsenal Football Club

Arsenal’s Dream Jar was named as the Golden Phizzgunner by Junior Gunner Fahad, aged 10. It’s inspired by The BFG’s Golden Phizzwizzard dreams, which are the best kind of dream.

Per Mertesacker, Arsenal’s own BFG (Big Friendly German) defender, says: “I’m proud of Arsenal’s dream and the work it does with Save the Children to provide children in difficult circumstances with safe places to play.”

Dream Jar location: Outside Emirates Stadium (West Stand), London N5 1BU.

3. Karen Elson

When model and musician Karen Elson was a child, she dreamed of being a stage star in a musical.

“Fashion took over for a while,” she says. “But my Dream Jar reflects my first love of dance and choreography, inspired by the kaleidoscopic formations of the brilliant Busby Berkeley.

“I’m delighted to collaborate with Save the Children on safeguarding the freedoms of children to dance and dream. I hope my Dream Jar helps to fund some of that work.”

Dream Jar location: Outside Liberty, Great Malborough Street, London W1F 7HP.

4. Professor Stephen Hawking

Professor Stephen Hawking’s Dream Jar explores the idea of dreaming itself. It was inspired by the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, who wondered whether he was a man who dreamt of becoming a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming of being a man.

“I might dream of the universe and then wonder if the universe dreamt of me,” says Professor Hawking

“How do we know if we are living in our dreams or reality – well, we just don’t and perhaps can’t! At least not until we start to understand more about consciousness and the universe.”

Dream Jar location: Outside St Paul’s Cathedral (South), London EC4M 8BX.

5. RB

As one of our partners, RB is working with us to bring to life the dream of a world where all children have a happier, healthier start in life.

“As a leader in health and hygiene, our ambition is to remove diarrhoea as a top five cause of death among children under five by 2020,” they say.

Dream Jar location: Outside Hay’s Galleria, Southwark, London SE1 2QE.

6. Chloe, Poppy and Cara Delevingne

Our ambassador Poppy Delevingne, and her sisters Chloe and Cara, dream of being together.

Poppy says they’re a close family who feel most secure when they’re with each other.

“As sisters, we’re strongest and safest when we’re all together,” she explains.

Dream Jar location: Outside South Kensington Tube station, London SW7 2NB.

7. Ruby Barnhill

In the BFG movie, lead character Sophie is played by Ruby Barnhill, who loves reading. She wants to inspire more children to read.

“I love books, and The BFG is one my favourites,” she says.

“Save the Children runs programmes to help children read and learn, so I’m really pleased that The BFG Dream Jar Trail is raising money for their work.”

Dream Jar location: Tatton Park, Cheshire, WA16 6QN.

8. Erin O’Connor

Dreams of ice cream inspired supermodel Erin O’Connor’s jar.

“As a child I dreamt of owning a special van full of unimaginable flavours invented by me,” she says.

“I wanted to be able to drive my portable home across the most far-flung undiscovered territories of the world, to explore, to imagine and to share my love of ice cream with new friends along the way.”

Dream Jar location: Where Oxford Street meets South Molton Street, London W1K 5JL.

Follow the trail for yourself!

The BFG Dream Jar Trail will be running in London and special locations around the country until 31 August. Explore the BFG Dream Jar map now and plan your own adventure.

Or see how other Dream Jar seekers got on in our Facebook photo gallery…

Share this article