Almost 80,000 people visited Durham Cathedral over the summer and enjoyed the thousands of paper Peace Doves suspended under Durham Cathedral’s historic Nave.
Visitors from all around the world admired the art installation designed by Peter Walker, with many describing the collaborative artwork as ‘stunning’, ‘mindblowing’ and ‘peaceful’, with one person saying Peace Doves was an ‘absolutely amazing exhibition’.
The artwork provided not only a great visual impression but also gave visitors the chance to reflect upon thousands of messages of peace, written by the public and community groups. From 26th July to 4th September, many people attended late-night openings and three-course dinners under the artwork.
Since April, people visiting Durham Cathedral were encouraged to write a message or prayer of peace, hope, love and friendship on a paper dove.
Community groups from the region were also involved with the mass-participation artwork, from Church groups, local school children, to members of Durham Cathedral’s Community of Prayer, who are based all over the world and children from 1st Hartlepool Beavers, Squirrels and Cubs.
The artist’s team then assembled the artwork suspending thousands of doves from the Lantern in the Central Tower. Peace Doves was illuminated by LED lights and accompanied by music from composer David Harper, creating an atmospheric experience as visitors wandered underneath.