The poppy display from the Tower of London has now been removed, however my parents were recently onsite, just in time to snap a photo of the striking display.
As part of the ‘Tower of London Remembers’ project, 888,246 handmade ceramic poppies encircled the iconic landmark, one for every British soldier killed in WW1.
“Even though they had started to remove the poppies, it was still an awe inspiring sight”, said the email which came through earlier this morning.
The poppies were being sold at £25 ($50 Aust) with all money going to charity. My father went to buy one however missed out, as they had all been sold, all 888, 246 of them!! Millions of pounds were raised which were shared equally amongst six service charities.
The installation of the poppy display began 17 July 2014, and ended recently on 11 November, with each poppy represented a British military fatality during the war.
Every evening during the installation, the Last Post was played at sunset. Members of the Commonwealth forces who were killed in the First World War were nominated to have their name read out in this nightly ceremony.
The scale of the installation was intended to reflect the magnitude of such an important centenary and create a powerful visual commemoration.
Learn more about the Tower of London Remembers Project.
There are plenty of hotels in London central within walking distance from the Tower of London.