Derby - The Knife Angel
w/e 27 October 2019
All of this week's pictures were
taken with a Kodak DX6490
Thousands of people have already visited the Knife Angel outside
Derby Cathedral and many will have approached like us along Iron
Gate.
|
Standing 27 feet high the sculpture has been on display at the
Cathedral since October 1st and will remain until October 30th
when it is due to be moved to its next location at Chester.
|
Marshals are present to hand out leaflets with information about
the figure and, as knife crime is on the rise throughout the
country, imploring people not to carry knives.
|
More information is displayed on a banner on the railings around
the Angel.
|
The railings also have many tributes to victims of knife crime
and other comments tied to them.
|
Twenty two year old Tom Webb was killed in a knife attack by
a sixteen year old in January 2016 and his mother Rachel has
been instrumental in bringing the Angel to the city. The question
still being asked about these needless deaths all over the country
is summed up in the one word "Why".
|
The sculpture itself has been created from about 100.000 blades
that have been handed in during police surrenders and it was
made by sculptor Alfie Bradley and the British Ironwork Centre.
|
It is equally as impressive from behind as from the front.
|
Closer inspection of the back (left) and front (right) shows
how the blades and knives have been used to create the Angel.
|
The pained expression on the face of the Angel surely has an
impact on anyone who sees the sculpture and is a reminder of
the hurt felt by the families of the victims. Two sentences in
bold letters on the leaflets being given out are worth repeating:
-
"The knife Angel is a symbol of defiance and change, shining
a spotlight on Britain's knife crime problem and its impact on
communities, families and individuals."
and
" The Angel is helping to raise awareness of violent crime
and helping young people understand the reasons not to carry
knives."
|
