The evocative sight of the Tower of London standing in a moat of blood red poppies is both startling and impressive. The artwork installation has been a London sensation.
The red is off-set against the grey stone Tower and is a river of flowing colour. The impression of blood pouring down the walls is a wonderfully moving touch.
The ‘planting ‘of the artwork entitled ‘Blood-Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ by Paul Cumming, is now complete.
Poppies at the Tower of London 2014
Since the summer over four million people have visited the Tower, to admire the build up of these ceramic poppies.
The 888,246 handmade ceramic poppies cover 16 acres.
Teams of volunteers working over 23 hours a day over three shifts assembled each flower using traditional techniques.
Each poppy representing a British person who died during the course of the First World War, the very last poppy being planted on Armistice Day.
Their forlorn message emphasises the tragedy that war kills.
On the day I visited in remembrance of my three great uncles, others in the crowds were quietly solemn and visibly moved.
All of the poppies have already been sold, with the £25 from each estimated to raise millions for charities helping wounded servicemen and women.
By Rowena Cooper
