A stunning new art installation is expected to see visitors flock to Lincoln Cathedral as thousands of paper Peace Dovestake flight within the historic building.
Created by renowned artist and sculptor Peter Walker, the new installation features around 10,000 paper doves suspended on ribbon above the nave of the Cathedral, accompanied by a soundscape from composer David Harper.
Already one of the most-visited attractions in the city, the Cathedral – once the world’s tallest building and described as the “most precious piece of architecture in the British Isles” – will see the doves ‘flying’ high until 14 November.
A mass participation large-scale art installation, over the summer around 12,000 people contributed by sharing their messages and prayers on pieces of paper, which were then folded into dove shapes.
Sculptor Peter Walker brought the birds together, attached them to thousands of meters of ribbon before they were suspended beneath the central tower of the Cathedral where they now fly in formation.
While the doves soar above the nave, there will be a wide range of services and events taking place beneath them, including a late-night opening on 18 September, 6.30-8.30pm, with entry by donation.
Lincoln Cathedral, itself, provides a spectacular setting for the new artwork.
Regarded as one of Europe’s finest gothic buildings it sits high on a hill above the heritage city and has dominated the skyline for almost a millennium.
Construction began in 1072 when William the Conqueror commissioned the first Bishop of Lincoln to lay the foundations. An earthquake in 1185 partially destroyed it, heralding its transformation into one of the world’s great buildings, using such state-of-the-art architectural features as flying buttresses, ribbed vaults and pointed arches.
And thanks to its central spire, which was completed in 1311, it became the tallest building in the world – beating then record holder, the Great Pyramid of Giza – and remained so for more than 200 years before the tower collapsed in a storm.
For more details about the Cathedral, visit www.lincolncathedral.com
For information about visiting, and staying in, Lincolnshire, see www.visitlincolnshire.co
Photos: © Peter Walker Sculptor
