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You are here: Home / Arts / The Poppies At The Tower Of London

The Poppies At The Tower Of London

November 25, 2014 By Nick John 4 Comments

Whilst visiting London on business a few weeks ago I made the time to wander down to the Tower of London to have a look at the poppy artwork installation, which has received quite a bit of positive commentary.

My visit was at the end of October so the artwork wasn’t complete but a substantial portion of it was done as you may see from the few pictures that I took.

Visiting the poppy artwork installation at the Tower of London.
Visiting the poppy artwork installation at the Tower of London.

I don’t have any personal connections to the Great War. I’m happy to say that my closest family (grandparents, grand uncles and aunts etc.) were unaffected so I wasn’t expecting to be affected much by the whole thing.

How wrong I was. I must say it was one of the most moving experiences I have had in a long time. There were many people (and there was a huge crowd) who clearly had a much closer connection than I did and it was truly inspiring to see what effect something like this can have.

Poppies at the Tower of London 2014: <em>Blood Swept Lands</em> and  </em>Seas of Red</em>.
Poppies at the Tower of London 2014: Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red.

I spoke to few people – some UK residents, some tourists and one German couple over here on a few days’ vacation. They were commenting that there had been nothing like this in Germany even though their loss of life was pretty substantial.

It’s a shame that the installation could not have been left longer but maybe the whole point is that it was a specific memorial that had a finite end point and by that makes it more memorable.

I walked away from it with more than a lump in my throat feeling quite sad to remember the lost generations and praying that we never see the like again.

888,246 ceramic poppies progressively filled the Tower's famous moat between 17 July and 11 November 2014.
888,246 ceramic poppies progressively filled the Tower’s famous moat between 17 July and 11 November 2014.

To that end, I am sad that we seem to be drifting towards a greater polarisation of views in this country about immigration, multi-culturalism, our European neighbours etc.

Perhaps as we approach Christmas, as it’s Christians who form the largest denomination in the UK, we could spare a few moments to think about goodwill to all and charity. A bit old fashioned maybe but still a valuable gift.

Is it too early to say Merry Christmas?

In 2014 the Tower of London commemorates the centenary anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War through a major art installation, in collaboration with ceramic artist Paul Cummins.

About the installation

The major art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London, marked one hundred years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War. Created by ceramic artist Paul Cummins, with setting by stage designer Tom Piper, 888,246 ceramic poppies progressively filled the Tower’s famous moat between 17 July and 11 November 2014. Each poppy represented a British military fatality during the war.

From the website of Tower of London Remembers – About the installation

Related posts:

Post Series: Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores:

  • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial. Can You Help?
  • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research: Part 2
  • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research: Part 3
  • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research: Part 4
  • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research: Part 5

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial by Janet:

  • Remembrance Sunday In Chandler’s Ford 9 November 2014
  • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Rededication
  • Story Of Chandler’s Ford War Memorial
  • Renovating Chandler’s Ford War Memorial

And, a beautiful post about the poppy by Vic Gold: Beyond The Sunset

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Tags: arts and crafts, Chandler's Ford, culture, education, event, history, London, memory, storytelling, travel, war memorial, World War One

About Nick John

Semi retired, interested in local affairs, ex business professional now doing a mix of private consultancy and some voluntary work.

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