Chester Cathedral is honoured to host Peace Doves, an extraordinary installation artwork by internationally acclaimed sculptor Peter Walker. This impactful installation, featuring thousands of paper doves decorated with messages of peace.
Peace Doves is a large-scale artwork inviting communities to reflect on the values of peace, unity, and harmony. Each dove carries a unique message, written by visitors, schoolchildren, and community groups, and together they form a breathtaking installation that offers a serene space for contemplation and hope. Bathed in gentle, evocative lighting and accompanied by an original score by David Harper, the exhibit transforms the venue into a sanctuary of quiet reflection.
Bringing Peace to Our Community
Local community members, schoolchildren, and various groups are invited to participate in decorating their own paper doves, adding their messages of peace and personal reflections. This unique opportunity enables participants to engage with art as a means of expression, contributing their voices to the collective work. Chester Cathedral also encourages schools and community groups to create their own smaller Peace Doves displays, bringing the project’s message of unity and tranquility into classrooms and community spaces.
An Artist Dedicated to Public and Fine Art
Peter Walker is a renowned sculptor and fine artist whose works have been displayed in public and private collections worldwide, including the British Embassy in Paris, the University Church in Oxford, and St. Chad's Cathedral in Canada. Over his 20-year career, Walker has developed a distinct voice in public and monumental art, creating powerful, reflective spaces that engage viewers and build connections across communities. Following successful exhibitions at venues including Liverpool, Chichester, Lincoln, and Durham Cathedrals, Peace Doves continues its national tour with this installation at Chester Cathedral, bringing with it the spirit of peace and the power of shared hope.
Visit the Peace Doves Installation
Peace Doves will be open for viewing at Chester Cathedral, from 2 May to 17 June and is open during Cathedral's normal operating hours. Visitors are encouraged to explore the scale and beauty of the artwork, to take a moment of stillness, and to appreciate the personal messages shared by people from all walks of life. Eachmessage on the doves represents a piece of a greater call for peace, making this installation a truly unique experience.
Events under Peace Doves
Monday Midday Mindfulness | Every Monday from 5 May to 16 June | 12pm
No Justice, No Peace with Chine McDonald | Thursday 15 May | 6.45pm
Poetry for Peace with Imtiaz Dharker and Julia McGuinness | Tuesday 20 May | 7pm
Jugalbandi: A Classical Indian Concert | Tuesday 27 May | 7pm
Wings of the Sky production with Matt Baker | Thursday 12 June | 7.30pm
Seeking Sanctuary: A Ukrainian dance project | Saturday 14 June | 12pm and 1.30pm
Image created by sculptor Peter Walker
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