A stunning sculpture made up of more than 100,000 confiscated blades has arrived in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Knife Angel, also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, was created to highlight the effects of violent behaviour, and has taken up residence in the city centre.
A contemporary 27ft, 3.5-ton sculpture of an angel made from knives confiscated by police forces up and down the country, it is located at the Smithfield site in Stoke-on-Trent city centre, Hanley.
First unveiled in 2017, The Knife Angel has been touring the UK ever since, raising awareness not only of knife crime, but all violence, and will be on show in the city until 30 April 2022.
As well as being an evocative visitor attraction, its time in The Potteries will also be marked by a programme of education activities on knife crime, and a knife amnesty.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has worked with several partners to bring the poignant monument to the city centre as part of a tour of towns and cities around Britain raising awareness of the issues of knife crime and all forms of violence and aggression.
As well as acting as a catalyst for turning the tide on violent and aggressive behaviour, the sculpture is also a memorial designed to celebrate those lives that have been lost through violent actions.
Originating from The British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry and created by sculptor Alfie Bradley, The Knife Angel, under the ‘Save a Life, Surrender your Knife’ campaign, exists to spearhead change and ensure there is more of a focus on early intervention, awareness raising and education throughout the UK.
The striking sculpture takes pride of place at the Smithfield site, which is adjacent to the bus station and The Potteries Way ring road, and easily accessible from all parts of the city and further afield, being only 4.5 miles from J15 of the M6.
For more information visit www.visitstoke.co.uk/knifeangel