Young artist’s sculpture wins Knife Angel art competition to deliver a powerful message across the county

A sculpture with a powerful message took centre stage this week as Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards visited Chauncy School to meet Billy, the winner of the Knife Angel art competition, and see his striking sculpture up close.

Jonathan spent time with Billy and his mum and teachers at Chauncy School in Ware, viewing the winning piece in person and hearing first-hand how the artwork was inspired by conversations about knife crime, choices, and keeping young people safe.

The Knife Angel art competition invited young people from across Hertfordshire to respond creatively to the Knife Angel sculpture and its message — that violence destroys lives and that prevention starts with education, awareness and opportunity.

And Billy couldn’t believe he had won. Talking to the Commissioner about what he felt when he saw the Knife Angel in Welwyn Garden City for the first time he remarked,

“I think it’s nice that the artist has turned all the bad things with the knives into something so beautiful.”

In response to seeing Billy’s sculpture up close Jonathan Ash-Edwards said:

“This is an incredibly powerful piece of work. Billy has taken a difficult subject and turned it into something thoughtful, creative and impactful. Seeing the sculpture in real life really brings home just how strong that message is.”

“What impressed me most is how clearly this artwork shows young people understand the real consequences of knife crime. This isn’t abstract for them. They get it, and they care.”

During the visit, Jonathan spoke with Head Teacher Stephen Walton and Billy’s teacher Hannah Delamain who told him about the importance of engaging with pupils on issues such as crime and safety.

Jonathan praised the role schools play in prevention and early intervention.

“The Knife Angel is about sparking conversations, and Chauncy School is doing exactly that. When schools encourage creativity alongside honest conversations about violence, they help young people make safer, more positive choices.”

Billy’s teachers said they were proud of his achievement and the way the project encouraged pupils to reflect, discuss and express themselves through art.

The Knife Angel initiative forms part of Hertfordshire’s wider work to prevent serious violence and violence against women and girls, support young people, and build safer communities by tackling the causes of harm before lives are changed forever.

For more information please contact:

Rachel Stone, Hertfordshire PCC

Tel: 0794 9279782 Email: [email protected]

Please visit our website at: www.hertscommissioner.org