Peace Doves artwork arrives in Durham Cathedral

26th July 2024

Visitors to Durham Cathedral this summer can experience a brand new immersive artwork as a canopy of paper doves is suspended in the cathedral's Nave.

Peace Doves, a mass-participation artwork by Peter Walker, has taken centre stage in the Nave of the cathedral today (Friday 26 July).  The large-scale installation is made up of thousands of individually handmade paper doves which are suspended above the iconic Crossing of the cathedral and is set to music by composer David Harper.

Since 1 April, visitors, schools, local groups and church communities have been creating paper doves with the aim to reach the target of 15,000 doves for the installation. 

During its opening day, visitors paused under the immersive artwork to take it all in, with some describing the experience as 'magnificent' and 'amazing' whilst others defined it as 'breath-taking' and 'powerful'.

Friends Julie Carr from Stokesley and Sue Currie from Alnwick  were among the first visitors to see the artwork and described it as "stunning". Julie said,

"Its such a breath-taking 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 its wonderful to see."

Volunteer, John Garside, who has been one of the team of volunteers that has been helping visitors make paper doves for the installation said, 

“For the past few months I've been helping people make a peace dove and 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 was great to see what we've been creating for the past few months finally come to life." 

John Gilbert, the Chaplain on duty was one of the first to give Prayers on the Hour with the installation hanging above the Crossing, when asked his views on the artwork, he said, 

"I think its just magnificent. Its 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."

With local visitors from County Durham, tourists visiting the region from the rest of the UK and international visitors all creating doves the personal messages on the doves have been varied and sometimes emotional. Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise at Durham Cathedral, says:

“As a mass-participation artwork, we have 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. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience the artwork and hope that the thousands of messages of peace, love, hope and friendship inspire people beyond their visit."

Some of the visitors and groups involved have shared their stories of creating a dove for a small exhibition about the ‘Making of Peace Doves’ which will be displayed throughout the summer in the Galilee Chapel.

A programme of peace-inspired events will also accompany the installation, including late night openings, exclusive dinners, family activities and a special Evensong on Sunday 28 July, 3.30pm to reflect on the artwork and pray for peace.

Peace Doves is on display at Durham Cathedral from 26 July to 4 September 2024.  Entry is free with a suggested donation of £5 to help support conservation of the cathedral. Events and activities range from £5 for evening openings to £66.50 for a three course meal under the artwork.