The Knife Angel – a powerful symbol of hope and cohesion, and a salient warning of the dangers of carrying and using bladed weapons – is in Wolverhampton throughout April.
The 20ft tall sculpture, created from over 100,000 confiscated and surrendered blades by the team at the British Ironwork Centre, aims to highlight the negative effects of violent and aggressive behaviour and to help bring about social change.
Also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, the Knife Angel weighs around 4.5 tonnes and on display in the city centre for 28 days as part of a nationwide anti-violence tour.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "We are delighted to be working with our partners to bring the Knife Angel to our city.
"Fewer young people in Wolverhampton were victims of knife crime in the last six months of 2019 – and we want to ensure that downward trend continues.
"It's important that we get the message across that violence needs to stop and we hope that displaying the Knife Angel in our city will not only help continue to turn the tide against knife crime and all other forms of violent behaviour, but also enable us to remember those whose lives have been lost or irrevocably changed as a result of violent and thoughtless actions."
Wolverhampton Neighbourhood Policing Unit Commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Beard, said: "The carrying and use of knives is a serious matter which won't be tolerated by the communities of Wolverhampton.
"Bringing the Knife Angel to Wolverhampton symbolises the impact such weapons can have and should remind everyone to think twice before carrying knives."
Businesses, organisations, schools and community groups were encouraged to hold events and activities to mark the Knife Angel's visit to Wolverhampton. People were invited to take part in a national photography competition to capture the most inspiring and impactful picture of the Knife Angel during its time in the city.
Cllr. Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We want the Knife Angel's visit to be an event which involving the whole community. We encouraged people to think about what they could do during the 28 days visit of the sculpture.
