Peace Doves take flight

Students from the University of Lincoln will graduate beneath thousands of paper doves bearing messages of peace, hope and love at Lincoln Cathedral this week.

Over the summer around 12,000 people contributed to the artwork by writing their messages on the doves for sculptor Peter Walker to bring the birds together into a artwork above the nave of the cathedral.

Peter and his team spent three days sorting the doves and attaching them to thousands of meters of ribbon before suspending them beneath the central tower of the cathedral.

Following a week of graduations, the next significant event under Peace Doves is on Saturday, September 14 when Rev Canon Dr Simon Jones will be installed as Dean of Lincoln.

The Rev Canon Rowena King said being part of the process of creating the artwork had been thought-provoking: “All involved have felt the privilege and awe of holding and folding people’s prayers and hopes for peace; particularly so amidst times of national and global unrest.”

Rev King is the cathedral’s first Canon Missioner responsible for links between the minster and wider diocesan community. “One person’s prayer may feel small, but as we took piles of prayers and turned them into sacks full of doves it was hard not to feel the tangible presence of a deep movement towards peace.

 “Peace isn’t something that simply happens when humanity stops fighting or disrupting or arguing. Peace-making is an action, it requires effort, and is something that we build together, for each other.

“Like the installation, peace is built when we find ways for everyone’s voices to be heard and valued – doves have come from all across Lincolnshire, from community projects, churches, hospital chaplaincies and schools; and also from all across the world, from tourists and pilgrims to our Cathedral.”

Peace Doves by Peter Walker will be open to the public until Thursday, November 14. Other events taking place beneath the doves include concerts, organ recitals and family activities – see www.lincolncathedral.com/peace-doves.

Image shows the Peace Doves installation by Peter Walker Sculptor.