Stunning Knife Angel Raising Awareness of Violence and Aggression Coming to Guildford Cathedral

Published on: 17 Feb, 2023
Updated on: 16 Feb, 2023

The thought-provoking Knife Angel statue, which aims to inspire social change, will visit Guildford Cathedral from March 1 to 30 as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour and Programme.

Sculptor Alfie Bradley with the Knife Angel.

The month-long programme is designed to raise awareness of the impact of violence and aggression, including bullying, domestic abuse, hate language and the carrying and using of weapons.

Taking place in various venues in and around Guildford, the central catalyst of conversation is the 27ft Knife Angel.

Created by the British Ironworks centre in collaboration with sculptor Alfie Bradley, it is made of 100,000 knives gathered throughout the UK during knife amnesties.

The statue is to “inspire and provoke reflection, education and resolve to work to make all communities places without aggression or violence”.

The Knife Angel is made of 100,000 knives gathered throughout the UK during knife amnesties.

Key partners include the offices of The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and The High Sheriff of Surrey, Surrey Police, plus charities including The Matrix Trust and Your Sanctuary, and pupils from Christ College, Guildford.

The project will see partners working together to provide workshops, lectures, and discussions to raise awareness of all aspects of violence and aggression.

A dedicated area of Guildford Cathedral’s website will provide information about the Knife Angel and events.

The Dean of Guildford, The Very Reverend Dianna Gwilliams, said: “We are working with many partners, guided by young people of our community, to provide opportunities to learn more about the effects of aggression and violence among all sections of the community and to address some of the key concerns of the young people in our county.”

Detective Superintendent Becky Molyneux of Surrey Police said: “We are pleased to be supporting Guildford Cathedral as they host the Knife Angel this March.

“We’re committed to tackling serious violence and aggression in our communities and this project will help further important conversations, discussing why people become involved in violent crimes.

“We would encourage the public to continue to drop off their dangerous or unwanted knives and blades at our police front counters across Surrey.”

Close-up view of the Knife Angel.

Guildford Cathedral adds that the Knife Angel needs local support. It says: “There are many ways that individuals, charities, and businesses can get involved in this innovative month-long programme. We already have several local businesses on board providing either in kind or financial support.”

For more information and how you can help or donate contact Nicola Pratt, Head of Development at Guildford Cathedral on 01483 547 884. Email:  headofdevelopment@guildford-cathedral.org

Donations page: Knife Angel Guildford

Organisations are also being asked to volunteer to be on site each day to engage, provide information, and signpost the visiting public.

The cathedral asks: “Does your charity or organisation provide support for those affected by domestic violence, violence against women and girls or are you a youth charity? Would you like the opportunity to highlight your work?

“We are offering a day or more, if you can, to stand with the Knife Angel (outside) to talk to visitors, and highlight the work of your charity / organisation.”

Slots are either 9am 1pm and 1pm 6pm, or both! More than one date is welcomed.

Organisations can collaborate on the same session to support each other where there may be only one person available from an organisation.

If you would like to highlight your work, contact Mary Beal, Visitor Experience Officer, email Mary on visit@guildford-cathedral.org or call 01483 547874, to find out more and schedule a day / days.

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