Chester Cathedral is Bringing Peace to Chester

100's of paper doves in an art installation hanging from the cathedral

Peace Doves: A Stunning Art Installation Promoting Peace and Unity

Chester Cathedral is bringing Peace to Chester through the breathtaking exhibition, Peace Doves. An extraordinary installation artwork by internationally renowned sculptor Peter Walker.

The installation features thousands of individually decorated paper doves carrying heartfelt messages of peace, inviting visitors to reflect on themes of peace, unity, and harmony.

With unique messages, written by visitors, schoolchildren, and community groups, together they will form a breathtaking installation that offers a serene space for contemplation and hope.

Bathed in gentle, evocative lighting and accompanied by an original score by David Harper, the exhibit transforms the venue into a sanctuary of quiet reflection.

Three white paper doves with handwritten messages about peace, family, and the importance of kindness, resting on a dark surface.

Local schoolchildren, community groups, and members of the public will play a vital role in this exhibition by decorating their own paper doves with personal messages of peace. These contributions create a powerful collective display, reinforcing the importance of togetherness and mutual understanding. Chester Cathedral encourages schools and local organisations to create their own smaller Peace Doves displays, further spreading the installation’s message of unity beyond the Cathedral’s walls.

Peter Walker is a highly acclaimed sculptor and fine artist whose works have been exhibited in prestigious locations worldwide, including the British Embassy in Paris, the University Church in Oxford, and St. Chad’s Cathedral in Canada. With a career spanning over two decades, Walker has developed a distinct voice in public and monumental art, crafting installations that inspire reflection and connection. Following successful exhibitions at Liverpool, Chichester, Lincoln, and Durham Cathedrals, Peace Doves continues its national tour, bringing its profound message to Chester Cathedral.

Peace Doves will be open for viewing at Chester Cathedral, from 2 May to 17 June and is open during Cathedral's normal operating hours.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the scale and beauty of the artwork, to take a moment of stillness, and to appreciate the personal messages shared by people from all walks of life. Each message on the doves represents a piece of a greater call for peace, making this installation a truly unique experience.