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Covid-19: Worcester Cathedral's leaves of steel memorial

Peter Walker The installation of leavesPeter Walker
The leaves have been laid out in the Cathedral's Lady Chapel to create the impression of autumn leaves fallen from the trees

A carpet of 5,000 steel leaves has been laid out on the floor of a cathedral as a coronavirus pandemic memorial.

The Leaves of the Trees, by artist Peter Walker, are on display at Worcester Cathedral until the end of August.

"It looks beautiful in the east end of the cathedral where the light comes pouring in," he said. "I'm very pleased with it."

The installation honours those who have lost their lives, says a spokesperson for the site, but also allows all visitors to contemplate what they have been through.

They said: "Appearing as though naturally scattered by the wind, the leaves symbolise the past and what has transpired. However, the leaf is also emblematic of the future."

Worcester Cathedral 'Hope' leaves in the cathedralWorcester Cathedral
Children from 60 Worcestershire and Dudley schools have also designed paper leaves. Visitors will be able to view a selection of these designs and add their own 'Hope' leaf to the paper display in the Dean's Chapel
Worcester Cathedral A Hope leafWorcester Cathedral
Artist Peter Walker said he chose a sycamore maple leaf as it symbolised strength, protection, eternity and clarity
Worcester Cathedral Leaves in the cathedralWorcester Cathedral
Artist Peter Walker is selling individual leaves, with a proportion of the profits going to the cathedral
Worcester Cathedral Hope leafWorcester Cathedral
"It's an opportunity to reflect on our own personal journey through this," says artist Peter Walker
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