To commemorate the centenary of the First World War, a scarlet sea of ceramic poppies cascades from the wall into the moat at the Tower of London. The crowds were quiet and contemplative today as they lingered over the fence, taking in the impact of all that red.
The installation by artist Paul Cummins is called Blood-Swept Lands and Seas of Red. Poppies are added every week until Armistice Day in November when there will be a total of 888,246 poppies, one for every soldier from the UK, Australia, and the Commonwealth killed during the Great War.
Poppies have become a symbol of that war since soldiers recalled the poppies growing in the fields in Flanders, and they are commemorated in the poem, "In Flanders' Fields".
The poppies are for sale, available when the installation is taken down. The money will go to charities that support Britain's war veterans.
Although I have seen photos in the news, it was quite moving to be in sunny London today and see this beautiful sight in person.
Joining today with Our World Tuesday.
Posted with Blogsy
What an incredible memorial! It really makes you aware of the tragedy of that terrible time.
ReplyDeleteI know about it but have not had the privilege of seeing it in the flesh so to speak. A truly wonderful memorial.
ReplyDeleteNow THAT is a spectacular memorial!
ReplyDeleteThe photos look good. It is a must for anyone visiting London.
ReplyDeleteThe ceramic poppies are so pretty, what a lovely memorial.. Lovely photos, thanks for sharing. Have a happy new week!
ReplyDeleteI was there a few weeks ago and will be going back before they start dismantling it. It is a very sobering sight and one where no camera or film crew can really take in the enormity of it all. I am so glad you got to see this for yourself and took some great photos of it. Take care. x
ReplyDeleteWhat an unusual memorial, and so lovely. That red is quite impressive!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, a red carpet laid out for you x
ReplyDeleteThat is one of -- if not THE most incredible memorials I have ever seen!! Totally awesome and unusual!! Your captures are wonderful!! Thank you so much for sharing this! I am in awe!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to the military and so beautiful ~ lovely photography! for OWT
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
How lucky for you to be there at this time. It sure is an amazing sight and you have captured it well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful the way the flowers have been planted! Quite the tribute!
ReplyDeleteCynthia. I have seen it a month ago. It is very interesting composition. I love the poppies.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Cynthia and lovely weather to be able to enjoy this remarkable tribute to the fallen
ReplyDeleteat Flanders Field in Belgium.
We have red poppy days here up to 11/11 each year for legacy. Soldiers and
volunteers are out and about selling the badges.
I have been told that the ceremonies at Flanders with the real red poppies in the fields
is something to behold.
Cheers
"Aussie Col"
I would love to have been able to visit this, I have seen it in the newspapers but I am so glad that you have been able to bring it to us on your blog. The enormity of the loss is brought home and what a perfect backdrop for the poppies. The poppies are one of the enduring images from 2014.
ReplyDeleteWren x
Now that is impressive! Safe travels! :)
ReplyDeleteI had seen photos of this on the news but the color in your photos and the different angles from which you took them make this scene even more impressive. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a moving sight.
ReplyDeleteYes I had seen it in the news and at the blog of your fellow blogger in London. But it still touches me in the way it is done. It expresses so well all the wasted blood that has flood in the war.
ReplyDeleteI need pictures of where your staying..........especially of the chooks!
ReplyDelete