Jan 29, 2019
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Tower of London’s 888,246 Ceramic Poppies Commemorate Every British Soldier Lost in WWI

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Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red is a progressive art installation currently on display at the Tower of London. Created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins and stage designer Tom Piper, the installation commemorates the one hundred years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in World War I.

888,246 ceramic poppies will progressively fill the Tower’s famous moat over the summer, with each poppy representing a British military fatality during the war. According to the Tower of London’s official site:

The poppies will encircle the iconic landmark, creating not only a spectacular display visible from all around the Tower but also a location for personal reflection. The scale of the installation intends to reflect the magnitude of such an important centenary creating a powerful visual commemoration.

 

At the end of the installation each ceramic poppy planted will be available to purchase with all net proceeds shared equally amongst six service charities. To learn more about the moving exhibit, visit the Historic Royal Palaces – Tower of London.

[via The Verge]

 

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Photograph by Jim Crossley

 

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Photograph by Jim Crossley

 

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8. Making the poppies

 

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Article Categories:
art · ceramics · HISTORY · installation · STORIES · war

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