Experiencing the Power of Art and Community
Pathway SkillsZone Bradford visits the Knife Angel
This week, staff and learners from Pathway SkillsZone Bradford had the opportunity to visit the Knife Angel in Centenary Square.
This monumental sculpture, made from over 100,000 blades seized from police forces across the country, was unveiled for the first time to the public outside City Park on Monday morning. The purpose of the Knife Angel is to raise awareness of the devastating impact of knife crime.
“As we approached the sculpture, we were struck by its size. Standing at 27ft tall, the Knife Angel is an imposing figure that commands attention. As we walked around the sculpture, we could see the intricate details of the blades that had been welded together to form their shape. The blades varied in size and shape, from small pocket knives to large machetes, each one representing a potential tragedy.”
Craig Willoughby,
Vocational Tutor at Pathway SkillsZone Bradford
The Knife Angel was created by artist Alfie Bradley in collaboration with the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry. It was first unveiled in 2018 in Shropshire and has since toured the country, appearing in cities such as Liverpool, Coventry, and now Bradford. The sculpture has been described as a “monument against violence and aggression” and a “symbol of hope for a brighter future.”
The Lord Mayor of Bradford said: “I’m delighted that Bradford has been chosen and has stepped up to the plate to host The Knife Angel for the next month… The Council is encouraging community groups and faith leaders to come visit the sculpture and take part in the anti-violence month activities.”
This month, over 12,00 young people from in and around the city are being made anti-violence champions. It is our hope that these young people will continue to carry the message of the Knife Angel throughout Yorkshire in the coming months and years.
Thought-provoking
During our visit, we were able to hear from representatives of local organisations who have been working to combat knife crime in the area. They spoke about knife crime’s devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities and stressed the importance of education and prevention in reducing its occurrence. It was a powerful reminder that knife crime is not just a statistic or a news headline but a real and pressing issue that affects many people in our community.
The group visit to the Knife Angel was a thought-provoking and educational experience. Reminding us of the importance of coming together as a community to tackle the issue of knife crime and to create a safer and more peaceful society. We left feeling inspired and hopeful, knowing that we have the power to make a difference.