The 20ft tall sculpture, created from over 100,000 confiscated and surrendered blades by the team at the British Ironwork Centre, aims to highlight the negative effects of violent and aggressive behaviour and to help bring about social change.
Also known as the National Monument Against Violence and Aggression, the Knife Angel weighs around 4.5 tonnes and will go on display in the city centre for 28 days from 1 April as part of a nationwide anti violence tour.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, the Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "We are delighted to be working with our partners to bring the Knife Angel to our city.
"There’s no denying that Wolverhampton, like any other city in the country, has its share of knife crime. The good news is that fewer young people in Wolverhampton were a victim of knife crime in the last six months of 2019 – and we want to ensure that downward trend continues.
"It's important that we get the message across that violence needs to stop and we hope that displaying the Knife Angel in our city will not only help continue to turn the tide against knife crime and all other forms of violent behaviour, but also enable us to remember those whose lives have been lost or irrevocably changed as a result of violent and thoughtless actions."
Chief Superintendent Andy Beard, Wolverhampton Neighbourhood Policing Unit Commander, said: "The carrying and use of knives is a serious matter which won't be tolerated by the communities of Wolverhampton.
"There have been far too many incidents across the Midlands and nationally involving knives which also have a tremendous impact on the wider family and friends of those victims, and West Midlands Police will take positive action against those found in possession of knives.
"Bringing the Knife Angel to Wolverhampton will be a symbol of the impact such weapons can have and should remind everyone to think twice before carrying knives."
Businesses, organisations, schools and community groups will be encouraged to hold events and activities to mark the Knife Angel's visit to Wolverhampton. People will also be invited to take part in a national photography competition to capture the most inspiring and impactful picture of the Knife Angel during its time in the city.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "We want the Knife Angel's visit to Wolverhampton to be an event which the whole community is involved in and, over the coming weeks, we will be encouraging people to think about what they could do during the 28 days the sculpture is with us."
During the 28 days that the Knife Angel is in Wolverhampton, a knife amnesty will also be taking place. All knives surrendered through this amnesty will be used to create a new sculplure for Wolverhampton as part of the Angel’s legacy, through the joint efforts of partners in Wolverhampton and the British Ironwork Centre.
If your business would like to find out how you can help bring the Knife Angel to Wolverhampton, or if you are interested in holding an event or activity to support its visit, please email knifeangel@wolverhampton.gov.uk for further details.
