Reflective pandemic art installation to be hosted at Lichfield Cathedral
An artwork reflecting on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic will be on show at the historic Lichfield Cathedral.
The cathedral will play host to The Leaves of the Trees, an art installation by sculptor Peter Walker.
The artwork is made up of 5,000 steel leaves, each with the word HOPE written on them, designed to honour those who have died during the pandemic and to allow everyone to reflect on their experiences.
The Dean of Lichfield, the Rev Adrian Dorber, said the artwork matches the mood of people during the pandemic. He said: “The pandemic has affected every facet of life and since the start of the lockdown in March we’ve experienced new stresses and challenges.
“This large-scale work by Peter Walker, our artist in residence, matches the mood with the moment as autumn sees leaf-fall, shorter, cooler days and the approach of winter darkness.
“We house the installation in holy space that testifies always to hope and we offer this exhibition as an opportunity to think, pray, reflect and figure out the nature of our hope.”
All 5,000 steel leaves will appear as if naturally scattered by the wind on the floor of the cathedral.
Mr Walker said he had chosen steel as the material to help remind people of resilience and collective strength.
He said: “As the artwork tours around the country the steel will age, rust and change colour, just as the leaves of trees do when they fall each year.”
“It is hoped that the simplicity and beauty of the installation will give people the chance to pause and contemplate on their own experience and also the wider situation that we find ourselves in.”
Visitors to Lichfield Cathedral can view the installation from October 31 to November 25 during usual daytime opening hours.
To find out more, go to the cathedral's website.
