Cathedral art installation set to take on extra poignancy

A mass participation community arts project has been given even greater poignancy with the invasion and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, according to project organisers Derby Cathedral.

Peace Doves is a large-scale art installation created by renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker, which will feature in the cathedral from 23 April to 12 June.

It will feature 8,000 paper doves suspended on ribbons above the nave, accompanied by a tranquil soundscape from composer David Harper.

In preparation for the installation, workshops are being held across the city and county involving schools, community groups, wellbeing groups and the general public, where participants are invited to decorate the doves with their own messages of peace, love and hope.

Schools across the city and county are also making their own Peace Dove displays.

The Very Reverend Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: “Our original driver for bringing Peace Doves to Derby Cathedral was to create a unique piece which reflects the thoughts and feelings of local people from all faiths, ages and backgrounds following such a turbulent time for everyone during the pandemic.

“Now, with war escalating in Ukraine and the value that we all place on peace being uppermost in our minds, the messages behind Peace Doves have even greater poignancy.”

Artist Peter Walker said: “Sometimes, art has the ability to transcend just being an object and become the focus of our collective sentiments.

“It allows us not just to see an artwork but to be part of it, to contemplate peace, as we think of those whose lives are so tragically affected by the many ordeals of life, from the situation in Ukraine, and conflicts abroad to the many issues affecting people in this country, as well as those we love and who are close to us.”

Peace Doves at Derby Cathedral is funded by Arts Council England, Westhill Endowment, Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District, Derby City Council and Foundation Derbyshire.

Peace Doves will be unveiled to the public for the first time on Saturday 23 April.

Entry will be free of charge and donations are requested, which will go towards the care and work of Derby Cathedral helping to keep its doors open for all.

For more information about Peace Doves at Derby Cathedral click here.