“The Leaves of the Trees” a reflective memorial
Sculptor - Peter Walker
On display 24th April to 22nd May 2022
Opening hours Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat-Sun and Bank Holidays 10am to 3pm
Leaves of the Trees at Exeter Cathedral c. Mark Pickthall
Rochester Cathedral’s floors will be carpeted with 5000 metal leaves as part of an upcoming art display by Peter Walker.
The Leaves of the Trees is a reflective memorial to the coronavirus pandemic. It is a simple but moving artwork which creates a moment of connection and calm. The artwork is made up of 5000 leaves which will be on display at Rochester Cathedral from the 24th April to the 22nd May.
5,000 steel leaves, each with the word HOPE engraved, will be displayed in the Quire. The leaves give the impression they are autumn leaves fallen from the trees. The leaves symbolise the past but also hope for the future, as the shape of the sycamore maple leaf has been chosen because it symbolises strength, protection, eternity and clarity. Over time the steel will be allowed to gradually change colour to rusted tones.
The project is designed to link directly to the sentiments of those who have experienced the pandemic, both those who have lost loved ones and those additionally or personally affected. The installation is designed to allow individuals, families and communities to take time to consider the past periods of lockdown and isolation and provide a focal point for their thoughts and personal reflections.
Dean of Rochester, The Very Rev’d Dr Philip Hesketh says “Peter has produced an evocative and moving piece of work which captures the experience of Autumn fallenness whilst been energised by the hope of the coming Spring.”
The Leaves of the Trees has toured several cathedrals over the past couple of years including Exeter Cathedral and Lichfield Cathedral.
This is not the first time Peter Walker has worked with Rochester Cathedral. In October 2021, he transformed the Cathedral with his spectacular sell-out lightshow ‘Space Voyage’. He is an internationally renowned sculptor and artist.
The Leaves of the Trees will be on display at Rochester Cathedral from the 24th April to the 22nd May 2022. Admission is free and no booking is required.
Please be aware there is no level access to the Quire. We do have lift access into this area. However, there is an upper weight limit of 130kg which may mean heavy motorised wheelchairs will not be able to use it. Please do email us at info@rochestercathedral.org if you have any queries or concerns.
About the artist
Peter Walker is an internationally renowned sculptor and artist. Peter is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors. Producing sculptures, paintings, drawings, installation pieces, and Son-et-Lumiere for large scale public art events, his extensive creative ability has led him to produce many bronze public statues permanently located around the country and have works in private and public collections worldwide. Peter is currently the Artistic Director as well as resident artist at Lichfield Cathedral and consults with other UK Cathedrals on visionary and unique artistic programmes that he creates specifically for them. 2019 Programme - Journeys Through Space Light and Time is currently shortlisted for the Partnership of the Year at the Museum and Heritage Awards 2020. Furthermore, working with as lead artist and Director for an artistic collaboration known as ‘Luxmuralis’ Peters artwork is used to transform architectural buildings with spectacular sound and light shows. Most recently Peters work has been seen at Westminster Abbey, Chatsworth House, Salisbury Cathedral (amongst many other Cathedrals across the UK, and abroad in Germany, Italy and Dubai). Peters Installation and sculptural artwork transforms spaces and places, with the Artist viewing every space indoors and outdoors as a potential gallery creating art accessible for all demographics, engaging young people, informing school educational programmes, reaching wide audiences internationally and providing opportunities for the arts for all ages. Using traditional techniques in a way that offers unique and contemporary ways to communicate to the viewing public often results in evoking powerful emotion, wonder and awe in the viewer
