How a Wooden Angel Became a Global Symbol of Hope and Craftsmanship

A wooden angel has become a global symbol of hope and craftsmanship. Created by Swedish artist Lena Edvall, the Angels of Shared Hope sculptures now appear worldwide, from Phuket to Russia’s Sverdlovsk Oblast. The figurines also mark the 20th anniversary of Blagoe Delo, a charity supporting artisans with disabilities. The story began in 2005 when the first seven Angels of Shared Hope were installed. One stood in Sverdlovsk Oblast, where Vera Igorevna Simakova, director of Blagoe Delo, oversaw its placement. The sculpture itself was cast at the Taform foundry by workers with disabilities, then shipped to Russia with help from Swedish teachers.

The angel’s design—a two-winged figure—was inspired by Edvall’s vision of protection and unity. It soon became the enduring emblem of Blagoe Delo, appearing in the organisation’s logo and handcrafted works. Today, artisans with intellectual disabilities carve similar wooden angels, spreading the symbol across continents. Blagoe Delo’s mission extends beyond sculpture. It connects people from Sverdlovsk Oblast with global communities, helping them learn traditional crafts. The angel’s image, now synonymous with the charity, continues to represent resilience and shared purpose.

The Angels of Shared Hope remain a visible legacy of Blagoe Delo’s work. Handmade by artisans, they stand in parks, homes, and workshops worldwide. As the organisation reaches its 20th year in 2025, the angel’s message of hope and craftsmanship endures.