Majestic sea of poppies to be centrepiece of landmark WWII anniversary commemorations

A majestic sea of poppies will be the centrepiece of moving nationwide commemorations to mark the end of the Second World War.

The Tower of London is recreating a new installation using those from the acclaimed 2014 artwork Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, which saw the historic fortress encircled in remembrance red in an awe-inspiring display that drew more than 5 million visitors.

From May 6 – two days before VE Day which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the conflict in Europe in the Eastern Front – 30,000 poppies from the original installation, on loan from Imperial War Museums, will return to the historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in the capital.

Artist Paul Cummins, the brains b​ehind the original installation, said: “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 was something that I will always be proud of and will never forget and 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 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.”

In 2014 Queen Elizabeth II marvelled at Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, walking among 888,246 poppies. Each represented a British or Colonial fatality in the First World War.

The reincarnation of the project for this year’s landmark anniversary will see poppies planted at a place that remains an enduring symbol of strength and survival.

The Tower suffered heavy aerial bombardment during the Blitz, alongside the rest of the East End of London. One of its Yeoman Warders, Samuel Reeves, and a resident, Lily Frances Lunn, died when the fortress took a direct hit.

At the end of the war, it was floodlit as a beacon of hope for a new beginning.

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. “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.”

The display will open on May 6 in advance of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8. It will run through VJ Day, when Imperial Japan surrendered effectively bringing the six year conflict to an end, finishing on Armistice Day, November 11.

Tom O’Leary, of 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 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.”

A nationwide jamboree is planned for the May 5 Bank Holiday Monday as the country comes together to pay thanks to The Greatest Generation and the freedoms they secured.

Schools will be out front and centre of celebrations to mark the historic anniversary, likely one of the last in which those who selflessly served will be able to participate.