About Peace Doves

‘Peace Doves’ is a mass-participation artwork by sculptor and artist Peter Walker. Thousands of paper doves carrying messages of peace, hope, and love will be suspended in a beautiful, illuminated installation over the Nave of Wells Cathedral. The artwork is set to music by composer David Harper.

As part of the preparation for the installation, visitors to the Cathedral were invited to write their messages on the handmade doves that have now been included in the final artwork. In this way, the installation is unique to Wells and provides a focal point for the local community and all who visit throughout its stay.

Local schools have also been invited to participate in the project with the goal of creating their own exhibitions inspired by peace.

Peace Doves art installation seen in the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool in July 2021. Approximately 18000 paper doves can be seen hanging from 15.5 meter ribbons from the ceiling lit up in beautiful colours.

Planning Your Visit

The installation is now on show and will be in situ until Monday 10 June 2024.

To get the full experience of the artwork, including soundtrack and illumination, we advise you plan your visit for the following times:
Monday–Saturday 09.00–16.30, Sunday 12.00–14.00

Please note: these times are subject to change, and some events and services may make it necessary for the soundtrack to be switched off. You can check to see what’s planned on the date of your visit via the Upcoming Exhibitions page.

What’s On

Story Time Under the Doves (under 5s)
Hear wonderful stories on a theme of peace while gazing up at the Peace Doves in the Nave of the Cathedral. There’s no need to book – admission is included with admission to the Cathedral (under 18s go free).

Stories will be read at the following times:

Friday 3 May, 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
Monday 6 May, 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
Wednesday 15 May, 10.45 a.m. to 11.15 a.m.
Wednesday 22 May, 11.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon
Friday 31 May, 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
Thursday 6 June, 11.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon

Activity Sheets
Pick up one of our themed activity sheets and learn more about peace in the Cathedral and in the world today — take it home and make your own Peace Dove!

Sound of Wells Festival
A world-class festival of classical music in England’s smallest city, celebrating the myriad talents of Wells’ many musicians with with several events focused on the power of peace, love, and reconciliation. Find out more here.

Peace Tree: Write a Prayer
While you’re here, head over to our beautiful hand-crafted Peace Tree in the North Transept, made by local willow worker Jo Sadler, and write your own prayer on the ribbons provided.

Evening Openings
See the Peace Doves as night falls at one of our evening openings. The Cathedral will open from 18.30–20.30 (last entry 20.00) on Saturday 4, Saturday 25, and Monday 27 May 2024 (Bank Holiday).

The Peace Doves, created by Peter Walker Sculptor, hang in the Nave of Wells Cathedral. (image: Peter Walker Sculptor)

A display in the Cathedral Shop, where visitors can find a variety of local crafts and seasonal gifts.

About the Artist

Peter Walker is a sculptor and fine artist who has worked professionally for over 20 years in the development of public art, monumental bronze and other materials, fine, and installation art.

Peter’s work can be found in public and private collections internationally, including at the British Embassy in Dubai, British Embassy in Paris, The Collections of Limburg (Germany), St Chads Cathedral (Canada), Chester Cathedral, Lichfield Cathedral, and University Church in Oxford. Peter also creates large scale installation artworks and Son et Lumiere as the artistic director of Luxmuralis, including at Westminster Abbey (2020) Chatsworth House (2020), Compton Verney (2018), Bodleian Libraries Old Quad (2020), and numerous national cathedrals.

Find out more at peterwalkersculptor.com.

Peter Walker, sculptor – the making of Erasmus Darwin © Peter Walker

Shop Window Displays [VOTING CLOSED]
Twelve local businesses in Wells are designing beautiful window displays inspired by the Peace Doves, and the time has now come for you to vote for your favourites! Head around town using this interactive map then vote for your favourite window either online or using a paper voting slip (available at the Cathedral welcome desk).

Voting opens: Friday 26 April 2024
Voting closes: Monday 27 May 2024

UDPATE:

And the winner of the Peace Doves Window Display Competition is… Gallery Jewellers! Congratulations to Gallery Jewellers for their wonderful display that so colourfully captured the essence of peace and creativity — with a lot of glitter! Your artistic vision truly resonated with our community and visitors. A special mention to runners up The Changing Room and Whiting & Son for their inspiring displays. It was very close indeed! And a heartfelt thank you to all the independent businesses of Wells who participated, infusing our streets with artistry and inspiration. And to everyone who took the time to vote and support the themes of peace, hope, and love at the Cathedral this month — your engagement made it all the more special.