Grade-listed landmark Chester Cathedral recently announced that it will soon have the honour of hosting an artwork by the renowned sculptor Peter Walker.
Titled “Peace Doves”, the extraordinary installation features thousands of doves crafted from paper and bearing messages of peace.
A large-scale artwork, Peace Doves invites people living together in communities to reflect on three key values, peace, harmony and unity. Every dove has its own unique message that was written by school children, community groups and visitors and, combined, they form an awe-inspiring exhibit that provides a tranquil area for viewers to experience hope and enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation.
The installation is bathed in evocative, gentle lighting and has its own original soundtrack scored by David Harper.
Local schoolchildren, community members and other groups are encouraged to participate and decorate paper doves of their own, adding personal messages of peace and unique reflections. This rare opportunity empowers participants to connect with art to express their feelings and contribute their voices in a collective artwork. Chester Cathedral is also encouraging groups and schools to create smaller Peace Doves installations to bring the message of serenity and unity into community spaces and classrooms.
A fine artist and celebrated sculptor, Walker has exhibited all over the world in private and public collections in esteemed locations ranging from Canada’s St Chad’s Cathedral to the British Embassy based in Paris.
Peace Doves will now be in the South Transept of Chester Cathedral from May 2 to June 17. The cathedral is located on St Werburgh Street in Chester, and no booking is required.
