Flower Power for Remembrance Day

It’s been 100 years since Britain’s involvement in World War I. The occasion is being commemorated with an elaborate art installation, commissioned by the British government and conceived by artist Paul Cummins and stage designer Tom Piper. Entitled Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, the artwork is comprised of hundreds of thousands of ceramic poppies pouring out of the Tower of London’s dry moat, honouring those who fell during the War.

The installation will continually evolve and grow throughout the summer until it is eventually filled with a total of 888,246 poppies, each representing a British or colonial soldier fatality. The final poppy will be planted on November 11.

Each poppy will be sold for £25, with 10 per cent of the price and all sales profits going to six service-related charities. It’s a powerful visual commemoration and a place for personal reflection.