It was a display that moved the nation and the monarch, a century on from the First World War.
More than five million people, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, saw the sea of ‘poppies’ that were installed in the Tower of London’s moat in 2014.
Now, nearly 30,000 of the original 888,246 ceramic poppies will return as part of an installation to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The new display is designed to resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which itself was bombed during the Blitz and still bears the scars of the raids.
Each poppy will represent a military life lost during the fight against Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany and its Axis allies.
Paul Cummins, the artist behind the original display, hopes that the new installation will ‘inspire the same feelings of togetherness’.
The exhibition will run from May 6 – two days before the 80th anniversary of VE Day -until November 11, Remembrance Day.
VE Day this year is being marked with four days of events that will include a national ‘street party’, concerts and processions around the country.
It was a display that moved the nation and the monarch, a century on from the First World War . More than five million people, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip , saw the sea of ‘poppies’ that were installed in the Tower of London ‘s moat in 2014
Now, nearly 30,000 of the original 888,246 ceramic poppies will return as part of an installation to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War
The 2014 poppy display – called Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red – took more than four months to install. Once completed, it filled the tower’s 16-acre moat.
The late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh insisted on seeing the installation in person.
Each poppy took three days to make at Mr Cummins’ 8,000ft factory in Derby.
Mr Cummins had to draft in help from two other ceramics factories to ensure the work was finished on time.
He said this week: ‘It’s with great excitement and joy that we will be bringing back some of the original poppies back to the Tower to mark such an important year of remembrance.
‘Seeing the public reaction to “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red”, and the subsequent tour of the “Wave” and “Weeping Window” across the country, was something that I will always be proud of and will never forget.
‘These artworks helped to bring people together from across the world, collaborating, telling stories, remembering loved ones and honouring those who sacrificed to protect future lives.’
‘I hope that some of the poppies returning to the place they were initially unveiled will inspire the same feelings of togetherness, reflection and hope for the future for all across the globe.’
The 2014 poppy display – called Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red – took more than four months to install. Once completed, it filled the tower’s 16-acre moat
Each poppy took three days to make at artist Paul Cummins’ 8,000ft factory in Derby
A Yeoman Warder with one of the ceramic poppies, outside the White Tower
Mr Cummins worked with theatrical designer Tom Piper on the original work. Mr Piper has also designed the latest iteration.
He said: ‘Everywhere these poppies have been, they have brought people together, with their own stories of sacrifice, commemoration, and hope for the future.
‘They have much to say about the universality of war and the anguish of suffering and loss.
‘We hope that this new display will provide an opportunity to reflect on the impact of war not just on military personnel, but Londoners and people across the country.’
During the Blitz in 1940, the Tower came under heavy aerial bombardment.
One of the Tower’s Yeoman Warders, Samuel Reeves, and resident Lily Frances Lunn died when the fortress took a direct hit.
Several of its historic buildings were also bomb damaged in the period.
Brigadier Andrew Jackson, governor of the Tower of London, said: ‘Many of the community that lives and works at the Tower of London are veterans with a long and distinguished record of service.
The new display is designed to resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which itself was bombed during the Blitz and still bears the scars of the raids. Above: Damage done to the fortress in 1940
‘Everyone here is familiar with the Tower’s wartime history and the impact of the previous poppies installation in 2014, so we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to this new display.
‘We hope it will be a shared space to reflect on the sacrifices of the fallen.’
Tom O’Leary, director of public engagement at Historic Royal Palaces said: ‘As the Second World War begins to pass out of living memory, it’s more important than ever that we come together to remember, share stories of the past and to reflect on the lasting legacy of conflict.
‘We know that the 2014 display was a unique event in the Tower’s history that can never be repeated, but we wanted to play our part in marking this anniversary, and hope that by returning a small number of the original poppies to the Tower, we’ve found a fitting way to do that.
‘We hope that the Tower of London can once again be a space for everyone to remember and reflect in the ways that mean most to them, during this important anniversary year.’
