"Knife Angel is a sculpture made from over 100,000 seized or donated blades, was specifically created to highlight the negative effects of violent behaviour whilst solidifying our critical need for social change. Not only does the Angel act as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent and aggressive behaviour, but it is also acts as a beautiful memorial designed to celebrate those lives who have been lost through these violent and thoughtless actions."
These words are from the Knife Angel website. Made by British Ironwork Centre, which is the largest centre for decorative metal work in the United Kingdom. "We always strive to create art using scrap metals (including weapons, car parts and obsolete hospital equipment), and use our pieces to convey important messages of anti-violence and recycling. We are the creators of the renowned Knife Angel, Spoon Gorilla, and Anti-Violence Manchester Bee which tour the nation promoting recycling and anti-violence."
Completed in 2018, the structure of the angel stands at 27 ft (8.2 m) tall. In order to create the sculpture, 200 knife banks were produced by the Ironworks and amnesties held for individuals to anonymously donate their knives. Knives seized by police were also included, some of which arrived in evidence tubes still with bodily fluids on their surface. The sculpture was created in order to highlight knife crime in the United Kingdom and educate young people on the harmful effect violent behaviour can have on their communities.
Knife Angel spends a month in each sponsoring location. This month it is in City Park, Bradford. Various activities are taking place to engage with as many young people as possible to make them aware of the risks they face carrying knives.
It was worth a rather time consuming trip to see it. The design is impressive and imposing, and a great photo opportunity. I was pleased that Katharine and I took the opportunity to go and see it.
Fabulous collection and a really interesting piece. I am kicking myself as this was on display in Gloucester Cathedral only 40 minutes drive from us, we just didn't make it..
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I wasn't aware of the knife angel when it started its UK tour, missing it when it was in Middlesborough and Hull. I've waited several years since then to catch up with it somewhere reasonably accessible to York. It is certainly worth seeing if you get the chance. Future locations and dates can be found on the Knife Angel website, and new locations are still being added.
Some of you thought it fearsome, but to me the face is showing the pain of the effects of knife crime.
Thank you Carol. Ironically, this is on display in Bradford, but just down the road in Leeds there has been a serious recent problems with knife crime.
We saw this in Birmingham a couple of years ago, so thought provoking.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I wasn't aware of the knife angel when it started its UK tour, missing it when it was in Middlesborough and Hull. I've waited several years since then to catch up with it somewhere reasonably accessible to York. It is certainly worth seeing if you get the chance. Future locations and dates can be found on the Knife Angel website, and new locations are still being added.
Some of you thought it fearsome, but to me the face is showing the pain of the effects of knife crime.
Ian
Thank you Carol. Ironically, this is on display in Bradford, but just down the road in Leeds there has been a serious recent problems with knife crime.
Ian
Thank you Polly, it is quite an impressive sculpture!
Ian