Shropshire Star

Knife Angel could be in cities across the UK

It may be struggling to secure a spot on fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square but police and civic heads from across Britain are hoping to see the Knife Angel in their towns and cities.

Published
One of the supporters of the Knife Angel, former peace envoy Terry Waite with the sculpture

The spectacular work-of-art was created by sculptor, Alfie Bradley, from thousands of knives either handed into weapons banks or confiscated by police forces.

It was the idea of the chairman of the British Ironwork Centre, Clive Knowles, who has said he is delighted at the interest in the sculpture from across the country.

The latest politician to contact the centre expressing an interest in the sculpture is the Shadow Culture Secretary in the National Assembly for Wales, Suzy Davies.

She said she had been told about the Knife Angel and the delay in it getting to Trafalgar Square.

"It is a most powerful sculpture and I would be very keen to lobby the Welsh Government and the Arts Co for Wales to see if we might have it in Wales," she said.

There has also been interest this week from Mr Paddy Tipping, Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottingham, who visited the British Ironwork Centre.

"He was extremely impressed with the knife angel as everyone is who sees it," Mr Knowles said.

"We have attracted interested from cities like Birmingham and Manchester, Worcester and Gloucester."

"Once of the most interesting talks we have had has been with civic heads in Coventry," he said.

"There is a hope that the Knife Angel could be placed in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral. Both the Cathedral and the Knife Angel are symbols of a hope for peace and it would be such an evocative setting."

Mr Knowles said news that cities were interested in hosting the sculpture was uplifting.

"This is a national monument for peace yet it has, at the moment, been spurned by the city of London. That has been very demoralising.

"It is gratifying to know that other cities are not fearful of getting involved with this symbol of peace."

He said that the Knife Angel would only be able to go to the cities if a funding package to transport and site it could be put together.

"We can do our bit but we do not have the resources to fund transporting the Knife Angel. We would need to find specialist crane and haulage companies prepared to help."

"