Plymouth Remembers – Poppies on Tour
Poppies: Wave is a magnificent sculpture which currently stands proudly in front of the CWGC Plymouth Naval Memorial on Plymouth Hoe.
The structure is made up of 7,300 ceramic red poppies on towering stalks and symbolises the servicemen and women of the First World War who sadly have no known grave. The piece is one of two sculptures created by designer, Tom Piper and artist, Paul Cummins and was taken from the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at The Tower of London.
Here is an amazing film showing the poppies being made from the initial cutting of the clay, right through to the finished design. Under the careful guidance of Paul, each poppy was handmade by a team of talented artists each with a direct link to World War One. The passion that the team had for the project is clear to see and is something that we found incredibly moving. With each poppy being hand crafted, the wonderful thing is that no two are the same. This is a lovely metaphor for the soldiers who fought in the war, as each one was individual and came together to fight for one cause. We hope you enjoy the film as much as we did.
This compelling piece is making its way around the UK as part of the 14-18 NOW (the UK’s art programme) for the First World War Centenary and has so far been seen by 2.7 million people. Designer Tom Piper told the Plymouth Herald “For local people it gives them a chance to get back in touch with their own story. On one level it was a very national story when it was at the Tower of London, but I think going to all the local, individual places has been very powerful.” To read the full interview click here.
The breath-taking sculpture will remain in Britain’s Ocean City until the 19th November. We have visited ourselves and were truly moved. The dramatic display is illuminated at night, it really is quite special to see the visual impact that the darkest around the display creates with the memorial reaching high above, our photographs don’t do it justice. Most of all it is the feeling you have as an individual remembering all of the brave people as you stand there and see a sea of poppies ahead.
We would strongly recommend our guests and local residents make a trip to visit the #PoppiesTour on Plymouth Hoe. For those wishing to attend the Remembrance Festival at Plymouth Pavilions on 10th November, click here for full details. You can also find information about the Remembrance Day service on Plymouth Hoe by clicking here.