This summer, Durham Cathedral will host an awe-inspiring display featuring over 15,000 paper doves, each one crafted by visitors bearing messages of peace.
The exhibit, known as Peace Doves, is a collaborative artwork envisioned by Peter Walker. Set to captivate audiences from 25 July, this installation will see a myriad of handcrafted paper doves gracefully suspended above the Cathedral’s historic Nave, transforming the space into a symbol of unity and tranquillity.
The artwork will be set to music by composer David Harper making it an even more atmospheric experience. However, before that date, each of the 15,000 paper doves will need to be created by visitors to Durham Cathedral.
“We’re delighted to be showcasing the Peace Doves installation this summer and we’re aware that it will take a long time to handcraft the amount of doves needed. So we’re now asking for the help of visitors, schools and local communities and inviting everyone to come and create one of the 15,000 doves that make up this meaningful installation. As a mass-participation artwork it’s a unique opportunity for people to be involved in creating something truly special.”
Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral
From Easter Monday, 1 April visitors, groups and local communities are invited to head to Durham Cathedral and create a dove for the installation. People will be given a paper dove on which they will be encouraged to write a message of peace, love, friendship or hope.
“Jesus said ‘blessed are the peacemakers’ and certainly in our world today peace is needed more than ever. The Peace Doves installation represents a chance for people of all faiths and backgrounds to come into this historic house of prayer and offer their own different voices, wishes and prayers in the cause of peace. I am looking forward to welcoming people from across our communities to Durham Cathedral to be part of this remarkable artwork and offering to God.”
The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham
The final result, which will be installed on 25 July, will give a sense of serenity and peace. As the paper doves are illuminated and hung from the Nave, visitors are invited back to the cathedral to see if they can find their dove and reflect upon other public messages of peace – making this installation unique to those who took part.
A programme of events will accompany the installation, including late-night openings, family activities and a special Evensong on Sunday 28 July, 3.30pm to reflect on the artwork and pray for peace.
Visitors will be able to make a Peace Dove every day in Durham Cathedral from Monday 1 April to Saturday 20 July. The installation will open to the public at Durham Cathedral this summer, from Thursday 25 July until Monday 9 September. There is no admission charge to enter the cathedral, donations are welcome.
For more information visit: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/PeaceDoves
