The Tower of London poppy installations, Wave and Weeping Window, will be displayed in Lincoln, Perth and Caernarfon during 2016, it’s been announced.
They’re touring Britain as part of the UK’s 14-18 NOW programme of art commissions marking the First World War Centenary.
Explaining next year’s choice of locations 14-18 NOW said: “Lincoln was a major centre for the manufacture of weapons and munitions during the First World War. In particular, the city was responsible for the development of early tracked vehicles resulting in the world’s first operational tank, first used in action in 1916. Wave will be presented at the recently restored castle, which has far reaching views across the city.
“Weeping Window will be presented at the Black Watch Museum in Perth, which is housed in the dramatic and historic Balhousie Castle.
“The Black Watch is Scotland’s premier Highland regiment. They fought with great distinction throughout the First World War, reputedly earning from the Germans the nickname ‘the Ladies from Hell’ on account of their kilts and fighting qualities.
“Caernarfon Castle is a powerful site for the Weeping Window. The castle is home to the Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, who played a key role in the First World War, including at the Battle of the Somme. The presentation will be accompanied by a special exhibition Remembrance for Peace.”
Weeping Window at the Tower of London in 2014 (Photo: Centenary News)
Wave and Weeping Window were part of the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London, designed by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper.
Millions of visitors were drawn to the display of 888,246 ceramic poppies, each honouring a member of the British and Colonial forces who died during the Great War.
More than 600,000 people have already seen Wave and Weeping Window during their initial 2015 tour of Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Liverpool’s St George’s Hall, and Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland,
Last week the British government announced a further £2.5m grant enabling 14-18 NOW to take the poppies to 12 more locations across the UK beyond 2016.
Jenny Waldman, Director of 14-18 NOW, welcomed the announcement: “We are delighted that we can now take the poppies to more places across the UK over the next three years, presenting a wonderful opportunity for even more people to experience these iconic sculptures.”
Weeping Window is the cascade of poppies that was seen pouring out of a high window at the Tower of London. Wave is a curling swathe of poppies which rose up to create an arch over the entrance to the historic fortress.
The two sculptures, which together have over 10,000 poppies, have been saved for the nation by the Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation, and gifted to 14-18 NOW and Imperial War Museums.
Listings summary for 2016 (dates subject to change)
Wave at Lincoln Castle: May 28 to September 4th
Weeping Window at Black Watch Castle and Museum, Perth: June 30 to September 25
Weeping Window at Caernarfon Castle: October 12 to November 20
Source: 14-18 NOW
Images: Centenary News
Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News