What is Peace Doves?
Peace Doves is a mass-participation artwork by Peter Walker, it will be made up of thousands of individually handmade paper doves which will be suspended above the Cathedral’s historic Nave. The artwork is set to music by composer David Harper.
Since 1 April, visitors, schools, local groups and church communities have been invited to create one of the 15,000 paper doves needed for the installation.
Until 20 July you can also make a peace dove at the cathedral. When crafting your peace dove, you are invited to write a message of peace, love and hope.
The final result, which will be installed on 26 July, will give the sense of serenity and peace. As the paper doves are illuminated and hung from the Nave, see if you can spot your dove and reflect upon other public messages of peace - making each Peace Dove installation unique to those who took part.
Can I make a peace dove?
Yes! We invite you to join us in making this installation.
You can make a peace dove from 1 April until 20 July, inside the cathedral.
When can I see the Peace Doves installation?
The installation will be on display in the Nave of the cathedral from 26 July until 4 September.
If you made a peace dove come back to see how it is part of the installation
Do I have to pay to see Peace Doves installation?
There is no admission charge to see the installation and to make Peace Dove. There is no booking required however, donations are welcome.
Your donation to Durham Cathedral helps us to care for the cathedrals buildings and grounds for future generations.
What's On: Peace Doves events and services
From special services to unique dining experiences plus late-night openings - the Peace Doves programme is set to enhance what is already expected to be a breathtaking installation.
A Prayer for Peace
God of peace,
whose son Jesus Christ taught us
to love you and to love our neighbour as ourselves,
give your love to all of us who pray for peace –
peace that will transform,
peace that will heal,
peace that will last,
for the sake of the same Jesus Christ,
the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Useful Infomration
Do I need to pay to see Peace Doves?
Visitors can come and see Peace Doves during cathedral opening times without booking and with free entry, although donations are welcome.
Additional events may include an entry fee and /or advanced booking.
Is this suitable for children?
Peace Doves is suitable for all ages. Some special events may have age restrictions, so please check before booking. Pushchairs are welcome inside the cathedral, please bear in mind there are a few steps to access some areas.
Is the event accessible for people with limited mobility?
Most parts of the cathedral are accessible for people using wheelchairs and mobility aids, and people who have limited mobility. More information is available on our Accessibility page.
Taxis can drop visitors off at the cathedral on Palace Green, from which there is level access to the cathedral. We also have limited accessible parking behind the cathedral. During large events, we cannot guarantee spaces, but will always try to accommodate requests. To request accessible parking, please contact us at visitor.desk@durhamcathedral.co.uk.
Entrance to the cathedral is via a ramp, the main part of the cathedral has level access and getting to the exit through the Galilee Chapel is via a ramp.
Do you have a quiet hour?
Yes, on certain mornings whilst Peace Doves is in Durham Cathedral, we will be showcasing the installation without music and lighting for one hour at 9am until 10am.
This hour could be more suited for those individuals with a range of sensory needs. For more information on the available dates please visit our Quiet Hour page.
Can I take photos and video of the installation?
Yes, we welcome photography and video for personal use only. We'd love to share your pictures on our social media channels.
What size bag can I bring?
Rucksack-sized bags and smaller can be taken into the cathedral. For security reasons, large bags and suitcases can not be brought inside the cathedral. We do not have any luggage storage facilities.
Can I bring my dog?
Assistance dogs are welcome, but please don’t bring pets to this event.
Do you have toilets?
Yes. The cathedral’s toilets can be accessed through the shop and restaurant, off the Cloister. There are also public toilets on Palace Green outside the cathedral, next to the red phone box on Palace Green.
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.
