*On Angel Wings is due to descend on 14th October*

On Angel Wings is an installation that came into being following discussion on how we could offer the community a space to commemorate those who had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As we slowly reopen following a turbulent 2020 and start to 2021, we realised people had been affected by this in more ways than we ever could have originally anticipated. What we wanted, was to provide people with the opportunity to be awed and provoke thought as well as allowing people an outlet; somewhere to palpably show their appreciation and respect.

Inspired by the installation in 2020 by our friends at Ripon Cathedral 'On a Wing and a Prayer', angels seemed like the perfect way to honour those who had served relentlessly throughout, those who had lost their lives, those whose lives had been disrupted and those who had fought to get through one of the toughest times they had known. An idea was devised to hang origami angels, each with dedications to loved ones, in the Abbey; therefore each angel representing someone or a group of people precious and cared about by someone else. 

We contacted the Verger at Ripon Cathedral to help with the logistics of how we could go about hanging multiple thousands of origami angels in a 1,300 year old building, which had not had ease of access to the rafters built into planning and design! After much deliberation and consultation of architects, conservation engineers, rigging teams and planning committees, we realised this was a real possibility and the plan was put into action!

The resulting project is 'On Angel Wings'; 4,500 origami angels, made by local schools, volunteers, Abbey staff and members of the public, suspended 45ft high in the Chancel of the Abbey. The angels stretch right to the High Altar from the start of the Old Choir Stalls and are lit from the sides. The angels are high enough that dedications can't be read from the ground; keeping those memories and thoughts private but still present; much like a prayer. 

On Angel Wings is open to visit any time during Abbey opening hours:

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Sunday: 11am - 3pm

 Occassionally the Abbey will close to visitors during services, baptisms, weddings and funerals and access to the angels will be limited, you can find out details of service on our 'Services' page.

There are still origami angels in the Abbey for those who wish to make a dedication. These are being displayed surrounding the installation. If you aren't local but would like to have a dedication written, please email the Parish Office who will arrange to do this for you and send you a photo of your angel in place in the Abbey. 

There is no charge to visit or dedicate an angel, but donations are welcome for the two charities the installation is supporting; Tynedale Hospice at Home and Great North Air Ambulance Service.

As an Abbey, we received funding via the Culture Recovery Fund to support in the huge costs involved in the curation of this project and therefore want all donations to go to the two partner charities. There is a contactless donation point available in the Abbey, just select 'On Angel Wings' on the screen and we will ensure your donation goes to the right place.