A SCULPTURE against violence created in Oswestry dedicated to the victims of knife crime is continuing its nationwide tour.
Having travelled throughout Wales and England, the Knife Angel, or the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, is heading to its most northerly location so far, in Carlisle in Cumbria.
Created and constructed by the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, the sculpture and its tour exist to “educate young children, young people and adults about the harmful effects that violent behaviour has on communities all across our nation”.
The sculpture is constructed from more than 100,000 knives handed into police across the country.
Some of the blades are inscribed with the names of knife crime victims from the more than 80 families who helped support the project.
The concept was developed by Clive Knowles, chairman of the British Ironwork Centre, in 2014 following an increased prevalence of knife crime within the British media.
Alfie Bradley was tasked with sculpting the angel alongside the Centre’s team in a process that took two years to complete.
Following its completion, the sculpture began its nationwide tour in 2018.
Beginning in Liverpool, the Knife Angel’s most recent installation was at Blackburn on November 4 where it remained on display outside the Blackburn Cathedral until November 29.
Carlisle will be the 16th location to host the Knife Angel and will be on display outside of the Town Hall in Carlisle City Centre from December 2 until January 2022.
Details are yet to be confirmed for the event, but Carlisle police force plan to use the unveiling as an occasion to organise education workshops and activities.
After Carlisle, the next stop on the Knife Angel’s national tour will be Barrow, also in Cumbria.