Gwent welcomes the Knife Angel
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A giant angel sculpture, made from more than 100,000 knives, is coming to Gwent in November as part of a national anti-violence tour.
A giant angel sculpture, made from more than 100,000 knives, is coming to Gwent in November as part of a national anti-violence tour.
The 27ft Knife Angel will be installed at Friars Walk in Newport and will stand tall as a prominent reminder of the devastating effects of violence and aggression.
Commissioned by the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, and created by artist Alfie Bradley, the iconic sculpture has been visiting towns and cities across the country. It will be on display at Friars Walk throughout November.
Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said:
“The Knife Angel is a reminder for us all of the devastating impact that violence and aggression can have on communities.
“To prevent violent crime we need to start at the earliest opportunity. The Knife Angel’s visit to Gwent is an opportunity for us to engage with our residents, particularly our children and young people, and equip them with the tools that will help keep them, their friends and their families safe.
“I would encourage residents from across Gwent to come and pay a visit to the Knife Angel during November.”
The Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Pam Kelly, said:
“Hosting the Knife Angel in Gwent is an honour and a privilege. This statue stands to remind us all of the importance to raise awareness of knife and violent crime and I encourage as many people as possible to visit this wonderful sculpture.
“I hope its presence will lead to more conversations in our communities about the impact knife crime has on both victims and their families in an attempt to try and help reduce the risk of these crimes across Gwent. I would like to say a huge thank you to those who have helped bring it to Gwent.”
The Knife Angel is made from knives surrendered at amnesties across the UK and messages of hope from the families of victims have been engraved into its wings. It has visited 27 towns and cities across the UK since it began it’s national tour in 2018.
Chief Superintendent Carl Williams from Gwent Police said:
"The figures for serious violent crime have risen nationally, and although our service is no exception for these rises, the numbers in Newport, and Gwent as a whole, remain low and we remain one of the safest places to live in Wales.
"Knife crime can have a devastating effect on our communities and we're committed to tackling all types of violent crime.”
The Knife Angel’s stay will be complemented with a programme of engagement events targeted at children and young people across Gwent’s five counties.
Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Newport City Council said:
“An important part of both preventing and dealing with the impact of violence and aggression is education and discussion. Special workshops and the extension of work already taking part in schools is a key part of this campaign. I am sure that such a striking piece of art will prompt many discussions.”