43 – Planting poppies in Tower of London

Today I participated in the installation of ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ at the Tower of London.

With 720,000 poppies planted so far, volunteers were needed to help with the final phase of the project to install all 888,246 ceramic poppies in time for Remembrance day on 11th November. Each one is beautifully handmade in the studio of artist Paul Cummins and represent soldiers who died in WW1.

Considering its October, the weather wasn’t too bad. Hundreds of volunteers had shown up at 9AM ready to plant the poppies. The design is simple – three length of steel rods and four rubber washers. In practice it wasn’t as simple though, the washers were very difficult to squeeze through the rods. It was slightly tiring, probably because I should have made sure I slept the night before but that’s my fault!

 

I took the chance to practice my photography skills a little while I was there, perfect scenery.

It really looks amazing from above. No wonder tourist had gathered around.

After November 11th all poppies have to be removed so in case you’re interested in volunteering, sign up at http://www.hrp.org.uk/volunteer. All poppies have been sold out at £25 each.