Leaves of the Trees – Southwell

Save the Date: 10 May 2021.

Southwell Minster is preparing to host The Leaves of the Trees, a reflective memorial designed to give people the opportunity to reflect on the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on them and their communities.

And the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2A)

The Leaves of the Trees is made up of 5,000 steel leaves, each featuring the word ‘HOPE’ and will be laid out on the floor of the Minster, creating an impression of fallen leaves leaves, when it opens in May. This touring installation has previously been seen in Exeter, Sheffield and Lichfield Cathedrals.

It was created by sculptor, Peter Walker, who said the leaves were to remind us that hope was all around.

The Very Reverend Nicola Sullivan, Dean of Southwell, said:

“We have all been affected by the terrible impact of the pandemic. We have had so few ways to grieve and Peter Walker’s simple but powerful installation will help us find healing and hope amidst our tears and loss. This is for everyone – whatever age or faith, and we invite everyone to come to their Cathedral for moments of quiet reflection.”

The exhibition will open in Southwell Minster on May 10 and has been enabled thanks to the Newark & Sherwood District Council who have helped part-fund this installation.

Richard Huthwaite, Business Manager – Tourism, Newark & Sherwood District Council said:

“Newark and Sherwood District Council is very pleased to support this unique and inspiring installation at Southwell Minster – the perfect setting for such a beautiful and contemplative creation. In these most challenging of times, the memorial will give people a valuable opportunity to both honour those lost to the pandemic and look forward with a sense of togetherness and hope.”

Artist, Peter Walker, who is the Creative Director and Artist in Residence at Lichfield Cathedrals said: “The installation is designed to provide an opportunity to take a moment out of our lives and to reflect on our individual and collective experience and to allow us to recall that there is hope, in its many manifestations, which is ever more visible to us through kindness, faith, science and family.”

The Leaves of the Trees installation will be at Southwell from 10 May – 6 June 2021

Please keep an eye on the website www.southwellminster.org for any opening restrictions in these current times.