A flock of paper doves is greeting visitors to Durham Cathedral this summer following the completion of a stunning new art installation.
Peter Walker’s mass-participation artwork Peace Doves has taken centre stage in the cathedral’s Nave, following today’s (Friday July 26) launch.
The large-scale artwork is made up of thousands of individually handmade paper doves which are suspended above the cathedral’s Crossing, set to music by composer David Harper.
It has been compiled thanks to the efforts of cathedral visitors, school groups and church communities who have been creating individual doves to contribute to the 15,000-strong flock.
Impressed visitors have today (Friday July 26) been pausing under the canopy of doves for photographic opportunities after the unveiling of the installation.
Among them were Julie Carr, from Stokesley, who was among the first to view the artwork when she arrived at the cathedral with friend Sue Currie, from Alnwick.
“It’s such a breathtaking installation.
“The movement in it is lovely and so very peaceful.
“Peace is such an inclusive topic that people of all ages and different communities can engage with, so it’s wonderful to see.”
John Garside has been among the team of volunteers helping visitors make paper doves to add to the artwork.
He said: “I’ve made a few myself, too!
“As soon as I came in today and saw the white doves hanging in the Nave it made a real impact on me and it was great to see what we’ve been creating for the past few months finally came to life.”
Chaplain John Gilbert was on duty giving hourly prayers as the installation was unveiled.
“I think it’s just magnificent.
“It’s truly amazing what can be achieved with something so simple as paper and messages of hope.
“The artist imagined this artwork and the communities of Durham Cathedral made it possible.”
Andrew Usher, the cathedral’s Chief Officer for Visitor Experience and Enterprise, said: “As a mass participation artwork we’ve relied on visitors, school groups, local and international communities to help us create and be part of this meaningful installation.
“People have been delighted to take up the unique opportunity to be involved in something truly special and the messages have been emotional as well as uplifting.”
A small exhibition, Making the Peace Doves, in the cathedral’s Galilee Chapel, accompanies the display of the artwork throughout the remainder of the summer.
Various associated events and activities will take place during the course of the installation, including late-night openings, exclusive dinners, family activities and a special Evensong, to reflect on the artwork and pray for peace, on Sunday (July 28), at 3.30pm.
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Peace Doves will remain on display at the cathedral until September 4.
Although entry to the cathedral is free, a donation of £5 is “suggested” as suitable to help support the conservation of the near 1,000-year-old World Heritage site.
Further details of the activities related to the display can be found via www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/peacedoves, on the cathedral website.
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