Winged sculpture offers Solace at Ely Cathedral

A glass sculpture depicting ‘angel’ wings titled Solace has been temporarily installed at Ely Cathedral as a reflective memorial to the pandemic.

The 10ft high exhibit – which will be on display until August 16 – is made up of around 100 individually sculpted glass feathers by artist Layne Rowe.

Each of the feathers has been individually hot sculpted and hung from the bones of the wings, which have been forged in iron by another artist, Ryan Harms. The wings represent strength, freedom, protection and spirituality.

Layne Rowe installed the exhibit himself. He said: “I want these glass wings to be a symbol of freedom, unity, strength and power. A focus for people of all faiths and none, to remember the loss of loved ones and contemplate the effects of the pandemic.

"Surrounded by the magnificent architecture at Ely Cathedral, the light projected through the vast window of the Lady Chapel really brings the wings to life.” The public will have the opportunity to take pictures of each other in front of the wings.

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