‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’

Tower of London, 3 November 2014, V. Oxberry

As it is the 100^th anniversary year of the outbreak of the First World War, a special art installation by Paul Cummins has been put in place at the Tower of London for Remembrance Day.  Since August hand made ceramic poppies have been placed in the moat surrounding the Tower forming the work titled ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’. 

Tower of London, 3 November 2014, V. Oxberry

I had the opportunity to visit the installation on 3 November when almost all 888246 poppies had been put in place.  Each one represents a colonial soldier who died as a result of the First World War.  The poppies have been for sale with 10% from each poppy and all net proceeds being shared between six charities – they have all been sold.

Tower of London, 3 November 2014, V. Oxberry

The video below talks about the idea for the installation and shows how the poppies have been made: