The Tower of London is a historic landmark that has been standing tall for centuries. It’s a symbol of British heritage and has seen its fair share of conflicts, wars, and political turmoil. However, in recent years, it has become known for a different reason – the sea of red poppies that surrounds it.
Why 888 246 Poppies?
If you have visited the Tower of London in the past few years, you may have seen the vast expanse of red flowers surrounding it. These poppies are part of an art installation called “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” created by two artists, Paul Cummins and Tom Piper.
The installation consisted of ceramic poppies, each one representing a British or colonial soldier who lost their life during World War I. The number 888 246 was chosen to represent the total number of soldiers who died during the war from Britain and its colonies.
The Meaning Behind the Poppies
The use of poppies as a symbol to commemorate fallen soldiers dates back to World War I when Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote a poem called “In Flanders Fields.” The poem talks about how poppies grew on the graves of soldiers who died in battle and how they symbolize their sacrifice.
Since then, poppies have become synonymous with remembrance for those who lost their lives in war. In Britain, the Royal British Legion sells paper poppies every year leading up to Remembrance Day (November 11th) to raise funds for veterans.
However, “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” took this symbolism to another level. Each ceramic poppy was handmade and planted by volunteers around the Tower’s moat. As more and more poppies were added each day, they began to form an ocean-like wave around the Tower – a visual representation of the massive loss of life during World War I.
- The Impact of the Installation
The installation was on display from August to November 2014, and during that time, it attracted millions of visitors. People came from all over the world to see the poppies and pay their respects to those who died in the war.
The installation also had a significant impact on people’s lives. Many visitors left personal messages or flowers at the Tower to honor their family members who fought in World War I. The art installation became a place for people to grieve, reflect, and connect with their history.
Conclusion
The Tower of London’s sea of red poppies is more than just an art installation – it’s a symbol of remembrance and respect for those who lost their lives during World War I. The use of poppies as a symbol is not new, but “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” took it to another level by creating a visual representation of the massive loss of life during the war.
Today, the poppies are gone, but their impact remains. The installation brought people together and gave them a way to connect with their history and honor those who came before us. It stands as a reminder that even in times of conflict and turmoil, we can find beauty and meaning in our shared experiences.