The poppies are back, but in a new location.
Way back in 2014, a breathtaking art exhibition called ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ appeared at the Tower of London. Over the course of four months, 888,246 blood-red ceramic poppies filled the Tower’s moat, each representing a British or Colonial soldier who lost their life in WW1. It was a powerful commemoration of the centenary of the war’s outbreak, and drew some 5 million visitors during the run. Here’s a reminder, in case you’ve forgotten this stunning scale of this artwork:
After the installation finished, the poppies were auctioned off to the public, raising funds for military charities. But not all of them were sold. The remainder were reorganised into two travelling exhibitions – ‘Wave’ and ‘Weeping Window’ – which have toured historical sites down the years. Now, to celebrate one hundred years since the Armistice, the poppies will return to London.
Weeping Window will be installed at the Imperial War Museum from October 5th to November 18th (Wave is heading to IMW North up in Manchester). As the name suggests, the poppies will spill from a window toward the ground, and fan out in a sea of red. Once more, it will be a stark reminder of the tragedy of war, as well as a hauntingly beautiful art exhibit. Moreover, the poppies have been gifted to the Imperial War Museum, with the possibility of a permanent exhibit to follow. A stark, beautiful reminder that we should never forget the weight of history.
See the installation at the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ, from October 5th.
Featured image: @emmafromtheborough