Welcome to our latest small voice feature – where we find people and organisations which are small but make a big difference. We’re delighted that for this podcast, Margaret met up with Peter and Heidi Gardner who are artists – and much more. Their interactive installation, ‘Peacemakers’ is a huge circular wooden knitting loom, which they designed and fabricated themselves. It grew out of a sense of helplessness in the face of the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the work of ‘Peacemakers’ has continued ever since.

The installation offers a quiet and hospitable space, where visitors are invited to join them in the repetitive, contemplative, simple action of knitting on the loom and making peace through the sharing of many small actions and kind words. Heidi and Peter create special spaces for people – for listening, for talking, for creating together – where people are made welcome through doors that are kept open.

[Length: 29 minutes 59]

Gardner & Gardner bring ‘Peacemakers’ to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland from Wednesday 7th to Wednesday 14th August and visitors are welcome to join Peter & Heidi in walking the loom. Visit https://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk/events-cal/peacemakers

Gardner & Gardner website

Photos copyright Heidi and Peter Gardner