A community artwork designed by Ellesmere Port residents to commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War has been unveiled in the Port Arcades Shopping Centre.
Managed by Whitby Road’s Paperboat Gallery, the project has seen many local people given the opportunity to create their own dove to be added to the display, including children from Westminster Primary School.
Each dove carries a reminder of the past and hope for the future.
Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Cllr Bob Crompton, who unveiled the artwork, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for local people, in particular our school children, to remember those who lost their lives in the First World war and recognise the sacrifice made.
“They have been able to design their messages and then use the facilities of the Fab Lab based in Whitby Road to turn their thoughts into peace creations for the whole local community to see and enjoy.”
Director of the Paperboat Gallery, Sonja Moss-Dolega, added: “Since the Paperboat Gallery's community project started at the beginning of the year we have actively engaged with local schools, residential homes and community groups.
“It was a pleasure to bring all the lovingly hand decorated doves together to create one impressive piece that is celebrating peace and joy. We hope that all our fantastic contributors will come and have a look at their beautifully exhibited works.”
The Port Arcades has given permission for the artwork to be displayed in the Mercer Walk area of the shopping centre.
Mercer Walk was also used for the talk by peace campaigner Colin Parry about the Foundation for Peace and the themes of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation as part of the Ellesmere Port Arts Festival 2014.
Les Lyon, Port Arcades manager, said: “We feel very honoured at the Port Arcades to be able to provide a home for this beautiful and thought provoking work of art.
“All of those who have contributed are to be congratulated for their artistic skill and vision in the creation of this piece.”
Ellesmere Port Town ward borough councillor Justin Madders (Lab) said: “It makes me proud to be part of this town when I see such creativity from our young people. It certainly livens up Mercer Walk and showcases what talent and ability Ellesmere Port has.”
Both projects were made possible by local borough councillors from Ellesmere Port who made contributions from their members’ budgets to support the fringe programme of events in the festival.
