Jeweller designs peace brooch

David Thomas of Pump Street says the new brooch stands alone as a piece of jewellery but is inspired by the biggest infrastructural project to have been developed in Londonderry city centre in decades.

Mr Thomas explained that with the new Peace Bridge opening this weekend he thought it would be nice to produce a little something to mark the occasion.

Designed and handcrafted in the workshop the new brooch is a unique and stylish piece of jewellery to be worn and enjoyed, as well as a special keepsake to look back in years to come and remember this significant time in the history of our city.

Said Mr Thomas: “The bridge has beautiful lines from practically any viewpoint but in order to represent the full double curve of the footway I decided to work on a birds eye view. I think the design makes an interesting keepsake but is also a beautiful piece of jewellery.”

Mr Thomas also recently completed a new Silver Chalice for St Columb’s Cathedral to commemorate its restoration.

If anyone would like to buy one of the 12 limited edition Peace Bridge brooches feel free to call into the shop on Pump Street. Each of the Sterling Silver brooch costs £35.

The Peace Bridge is viewed as the pinnacle of the PEACE Programme’s achievements in Londonderry since its inception in 1995. Over the past two decades a very significant level of funding from the European Union has been invested in the city.

It is billed as proof of the EU’s commitment to providing social and economic benefits for the people of the city and to physically transforming the urban landscape.

It is the latest shared space created in a long list that includes St Columb’s Park and Pennyburn Play Trail, as well as cultural venues such as the Nerve Centre and the Playhouse.

According to Ilex and Derry City Council: “at its heart lies the human element of encouraging meaningful contact between the two main communities and the commitment to tackling sectarianism, racism, polarisation and stereotyping by building relationships and fostering dialogue.

“Key to its success has been grass roots engagement and the consistent pursuit of local level partnerships to give a voice to those communities most affected by the conflict.

“The Peace Bridge symbolises the city’s re-birth. It will bring people from all communities together in a new shared space, helping us to connect and build lasting relationships.”