THE DOVE OF PEACE Weather Vane

Designer - John Clark

The beginning of the 21st Century saw the completion of the restoration of the spire of Holy Trinity Church. This spire is one of three which have dominated Coventry's skyline for centuries. The spire is topped off by an 8ft stainless steel weather vane in the form of a Dove of Peace. It was consecrated on January 25th 2001 The design was chosen from a series of designs by students of Coventry Technical College, it was chosen for its vision and concept. John Clark lives in Kenilworth, and attended Kenilworth School. On leaving school he joined the BTech 3D Craft Design Course at Coventry Technical College. He found the course interesting and focused in all aspects of design.  It was intensive, and explored many different fields; especially sculpture, which enabled him to enter two design competitions. The DOVE OF PEACE is the first design.  The other design is for a sculpture at Earl Place Business Park. He is now at Coventry University on the Transport Design Course.

Click on image for a larger picture

John writes................ "I have chosen a dove because it is a recognised Christian symbol.  The concept for my design reflects motor car styling from its beginnings in Coventry.

It is a tribute to SIR FRANK WHITTLE, a brilliant aero engine designer, who was born in Coventry, but never really recognised in his field.

My design represents how he revolutionised flight.  He made aircraft design become much more dynamic, because planes had to be streamlined to cope with the speed of his new jet engine.

The DOVE looks peaceful, streamlined, futuristic, ready to take off and spread its message of peace over Coventry.

BRANCUSI has also provided inspiration for my design.  He designs simple shapes and representations of animals.  My concept is also a simple, bold, and effective shape which will be easy to distinguish at a distance."

Contributors to the provision of a new Weather Vane:

• John Clark - Preliminary design of Dove concept.
• Alan Wright - Architect & Project Manager.
• Graham Bentley - Progressive practical design, Engineering & Mechanical design, Engineering & manufacture coordinator.
• Tim Hunter - Progressive practical design Structural Engineer.
• Don Ascough - Structural Engineer
• Engineering Manufacturers
  J.L.Float, Aldridge - The Ball
  Bhogal Polishing - Smethwick
  Lyndhurst Engineering, Coleshill
  Ashley Competitive Exhaust, Walsall
  F,C, Whittle, Oldbury - assembling Dove.

Special thanks to Gordon Hipkiss & Tony Piddlington

Thanks are also extended to all participants whose enthusiasm and dedication have combined in the realization of a unique piece of history, and a wonderful piece of art.