A project to pinpoint the current locations of the ceramic poppies seen at the Tower of London in 2014 has been launched by the UK First World War Centenary arts programme, 14-18 NOW.
Thousands of poppies were bought by members of the public in aid of forces’ charities after the internationally acclaimed display at the start of Britain’s commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Great War.
Three years on, Where are the Poppies Now invites owners to ‘pin’ their poppy to a digital map, showing its present whereabouts and at the same time sharing the story of why, or for whom, the poppy was bought.
The aim is to create an ‘invaluable archive of stories and memories for future generations’, 14-18 NOW says.
Some of the poppies from the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, have been taken to war graves in memory of relatives who lost their lives in WW1.
They’ve also travelled as far afield as the United States and Australia.
Jenny Waldman, Director of 14-18 NOW, said: “We are so grateful to Paul Cummins and Tom Piper for this enormously powerful artwork which has captivated millions. We would love to know where the poppies are now and hear the stories of the thousands of people who own one.
“Where Are The Poppies Now is a wonderful place where people around the world can share their stories and memories.”
Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, creators of Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, displayed at the Tower of London from July-November 2014 (Image ©14-18 NOW)
The original installation contained 888,246 poppies, one for every British or Colonial life lost at the Front during the Great War. ‘Planted’ in the Tower of London’s moat, it drew more than five million visitors to the historic royal fortress.
Two poppy sculptures from the display, Wave and Weeping Window, are being toured during the 2014-18 Centenary to UK locations with particular First World War links.
Wave can currently be seen at the CWGC Plymouth Naval Memorial. Weeping Window is at Y Senned, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff until September 24; it then transfers to the Ulster Museum, Belfast, from October 14. For more details see 14-18 NOW.
To plant your poppy, and read some of the personal stories so far, visit Where Are the Poppies Now. Poppy locations are identified on an interactive map – also follow progress on Twitter #wherearethepoppiesnow.
Information & ©images: 14-18 NOW
Posted by: CN Editorial Team