Pictures: Last chance to see the Knife Angel in Hereford

THE Knife Angel's month-long stay in Hereford is coming to a close, with the towering statue highlighting the problem of violent crime in the city.

Arriving on June 14, the 27-foot Knife Angel is built from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades, and a series of events have been held to raise awareness of knife crime and other forms of violence.

It has been outside Hereford Cathedral, but the event comes to a close tomorrow (Monday).

Hereford Times: The Knife Angel outside Hereford Cathedral. Picture: Belinda Olsen The Knife Angel outside Hereford Cathedral. Picture: Belinda Olsen

It's been thanks to grants from the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, West Mercia Police, The National Lottery Community Fund, the High Sheriffs of Herefordshire, Eveson Charitable Trust, Community Safety Partnership and the Clocktower Foundation, the Knife Angel team has been able to organise an exciting range of free-to-attend events.

The aim of these events is to stimulate discussion on the devastating impact violence has on all our lives.

Hereford Times: People who have seen the Knife Angel have been amazed by the detail. Picture: Caroline Warrey People who have seen the Knife Angel have been amazed by the detail. Picture: Caroline Warrey

The team responsible for bringing the Knife Angel to Hereford is headed by Alison Davies, who lost her son, Mark, to knife crime in 2018, and Meryl Cain.

Hereford Times: The statue is made from 100,000 knives and blades. Picture: Ella Mentry The statue is made from 100,000 knives and blades. Picture: Ella Mentry

Alison Davies said: “We encourage everyone to come and see this magnificent statue and to get involved in the events we have organised.

“The statue is incredibly moving to see and we are hoping that it will stimulate debate and discussion around the subject of violent crime and how to prevent it.

"Even after the Angel has left us, we are hoping to continue with a programme of legacy events, so that important messages regarding the futility of violent crime are continued into the future.

Hereford Times: A series of events have been held during the month-long stay. Picture: Sarah Ayliffe A series of events have been held during the month-long stay. Picture: Sarah Ayliffe

“We are truly grateful for all the support that we have received from our partners, sponsors and volunteers.”

Since its completion at The British Ironwork Centre in 2018, the Knife Angel has visited 11 towns and cities, from Gateshead to Rochester.

Community answers

Are you impressed by the Knife Angel?

"Share you pictures, and your thoughts about this striking sculpture and its important message. Your contribution will not appear immediately, but we will upload it to our website as soon as possible. It may also appear in print in the Hereford Times."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From L Meadows

What are your feelings about the Knife Angel1. The Angel isn't making money 2. It is a sad face 3. It is touring lots of cities 4. Hereford has knife crime 5. I have seen many teens at the Angel, including schools doing projects 6. It needs strong foundations for 3.5 tons!

From David A.R.Glover

What are your feelings about the Knife AngelAbsolutely stunning and beautiful. The hands are a feature saying, please stop knife crime.

From Morgg

What are your feelings about the Knife AngelGreat idea. Very impressive and totally support it. But wrong location! It should be in the middle of town where more youngsters would see it and be influenced, hopefully, to not carry knives. I've not seen youths hanging around the cathedral.

From Andrew Morris

Share your pictures