While the stunning 2014 installation of Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, featuring 888,246 ceramic poppies – one for each British military casualty of World War One, is no longer at the Tower of London, a smaller version is about to go on show much closer to home.
From next month Wave, part of the installation, will bring thousands of the blood red poppies, which commemorated the centenary of the start of World War One, to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in West Bretton.
Originally created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper in conjunction with the charity Historic Royal Palaces, the dramatic poppy installation was seen in London from August to November last year, after which the majority of the poppies were sold to raise money for six service charities.
However, 10,000 poppies were saved for the nation by the Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation and gifted to the Imperial War Museums and 14-18 NOW, a programme of special commissions from leading artists to mark the centenary and funded mainly by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England.
Wave is one of two artworks that comprised the poppy installation. A second, Weeping Window is going on show at the Woodrow Museum in Northumberland until October this year and then transferring to St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
Peter Murray, Founding and Executive Director at the YSP, is delighted that the north is hosting the famous poppies.
He said: “The sculpture will rise from Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s historic lake, surrounded by 500 acres of stunning Yorkshire countryside and woodland.
“The calmness and nature of the park will offer visitors an ideal space for contemplation and reflection.”
The lower lake, where the sculpture will be constructed, is a 1km walk from the main visitor centre and car park.
A shuttle bus will be laid on to transport visitors and accessible parking will be available for Blue Badge holders.
Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport John Whittingdale has also welcomed the move to place two poppy installations in the north.
He said: “This is art at its most powerful and it is only right that everyone should have the chance to see them.
“The London installation had a huge impact on all those who saw it and the new installations will do the same.
“This is another important opportunity for us to remember and play tribute to those who gave their lives in the First World War.”
Wave will be at the YSP until early January 2016.
