A Peace of Metal
Provoke Challenge Inspire.
Background.
During World War Two, numerous bells were collected. Between 1939 and 1945, 175,000 bells across Europe were taken by Nazi Germany. The intention, to be melted down and used as military equipment. Church bells of all shapes and sizes were re-purposed, as a means to kill and maim.
For more historical information:
This art project aims to reverse that process.
It is an invitation to the Governments of the world to participate in disarmament by providing military hardware to be re-purposed, therefore creating an iconic symbol of peace. It is intended to melt down new or used decommissioned military equipment to produce a bell representing each country. They will be then housed collectively in a single location. (the site yet to be determined)
Each country is encouraged to supply a bell forged from the tools of murder, mayhem and destruction, created as an example of how humanity can, if we choose to, live in harmony on planet earth.
The sound of a ringing bell, calls people to gather. It is the essence of sound which draws us near. The power of frequency activates within us all, a means to expand our consciousness.
The alchemy of this project should not be overlooked; the transformation of base metals, in terms of their intended use, into an object of beauty and sound, that inspires the world.
‘Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee’.
– John Donne
Brief history
This project actually began about 30 years ago. Visual artist, Lindsay McAuley, wrote a letter addressed to every embassy in the world. He asked the Governments of each country, to participate in this art project.
The requirement of each nation, of which there are 193 member states in the United Nations, was to send one decommissioned military bullet shell. The intention, to be melted down as part of an art project, an initiative towards reconciliation.
Participating would indicate commitment to their people and towards building a world of peace and disarmament. Involvement would prove, if only as a token gesture, that there is hope for our planet; that governments are really acting in the interests of the people, not just nationally, but also, for the entire population of the earth. Humanity!
Only one country responded with interest, New Zealand.
The project fell by the wayside due to postage costs and generally, life got in the way to pursue the matter any further. It failed to draw the attention it deserved. Now, more than ever, it deserves attention.
The concept was initiated as a result of having children, to contribute to making a better world for them. Nothing has changed in that time. Nations are still at war. Now, decades later, it’s because of Grandchildren, that ‘Peace of Metal’ has once again resurfaced; to challenge Governments, to provoke action and to inspire change.
In 2024, he restarted Peace of Metal having sent over 300 emails to every ambassador of the United Nations and to politicians across the world. At present, Lindsay is beginning high level discussions with representatives from various nations to provide a location where the bells will be housed permanently. He has made contact with bell foundry manufactures in Australia and the Far East.
He is presently engaging with people from all walks of life across the world to become active peace ambassadors for this cause.
Donate
If you feel strongly about the intention of this project, you can make a donation to the cause. The artist would like to make it known, ‘Peace of Metal’ is a ‘work in progress’, therefore there is no guarantee that the outcome will be successful because of the nature of the dealing with governments on this level of sensitivity. Any money collected will be used transparently and specifically toward this project with regard to establishing the concept. This will go toward airfares, meetings and general administration until a board of directors is finalised.
How big will it be
The size of each bell will be determined by each government, however the sound produced will be loud enough to be heard around the earth (symbolically).
For further information, contact Lindsay McAuley, (e) [email protected]
Storm clouds gather. Peace is fragile.
Across the earth, the people are in conflict, the future, laced with anxiety.
Now, more than ever, we are called to respond. Voices cry out, struggling to be heard above uncertainty and fear.
There are numerous forces that today,
advocate destruction, in the name of peace, embrace annihilation, in the name of defence.
The voice of peace must be heard, above all else.
About the Artist
Lindsay McAuley
Lindsay McAuley grew up living close to nature on a sheep and cattle station in outback Queensland, Australia, where he first acquired an interest in astronomy, art and metaphysics.
A career in the film industry and photography helped develop creative skills. As an extension to his artistic nature, he obtained a certificate in art and went on to win awards as a visual artist and in film making.
A prolific creator, his talents are diverse.
He has written several plays and now, an author, completed a book entitled, ‘The Lost World of the Maya’ as well as a romance novel, ‘Scent of a Lion,’ set in South Korea. In development, is a children’s educational book, The Adventures of Kanga, the Lost Kangaroo,’ based in Cambodia. He has also written research reports on subjects as diverse as anatomy, astronomy and mathematics.
Lindsay’s artwork has featured in several group and solo art exhibitions, including a fine-art photography exhibition entitled, Skyharp. This project documents the changing light of the natural environment and its effect on an outdoor metallic sculpture which aligns with the equinox and the solstice.
Combining this varied background with an artistic sensibility and influenced by a social conscience, has compelled him to undertake a project involving world peace and disarmament. Entitled, ‘Peace of Metal,’ the concept involves the participation of all member states of the United Nations.
Restless by nature, Lindsay has travelled to 42 countries across all seven continents of the world.