‘Knowledge and Understanding’ by Diana Bell

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Bonn Square, Oxford

“The commission was a present from the city of Bonn to the city of Oxford. The two piles of books are symbolic of the links between the two University Cities. After the war Oxford was the first city to approach a German city in order to bring friendship and exchange common concerns. This is reflected in the indented titles on the books: Knowledge, Understanding, Friendship, Trust, Wissen, Verständigung, Freundschaft, Vertrauen

The books are cast in bronze from real books and the largest stands 1.2 m. Small piles are also placed on benches around the square. The aim is for the public to be able to interact with the sculpture.

“I hope the sculpture has a universal message that the more knowledge people have of each other, the more they can begin to understand each other and eventually work together.”