Lincoln Castle to host Poppies: WAVE

Poppies:Wave is one of two sculptures from the installation ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, a display of 888,246 poppies honouring the deaths in the British and Colonial forces of the First World War, which was originally at HM Tower of London in 2014.

Wave and Weeping Window are now touring the UK: Wave is currently at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (until 10 January 2016) and Weeping Window is at Liverpool’s St George’s Hall (until 17 January 2016).

And between May 28 and September 4, the castle will be home to Wave, a sweeping arch of bright red poppies suspended on towering stalks.

“We’re thrilled the poppies are coming to Lincoln Castle,” said Coun Nick Worth, Executive Member for Culture and Heritage.

“Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. Seven Lincolnshire battalions fought there, and having the poppies will be a fitting tribute.

“Of course, the castle is also home to one of only four surviving 1215 Magna Cartas. The messages of freedom this document still represents will chime perfectly with the meaning of the poppies.

“I’m sure people will travel from far and wide to see this iconic work.”

Wave and Weeping Window are from the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red – poppies and original concept by artist Paul Cummins and installation designed by Tom Piper – by Paul Cummins Ceramics Limited in conjunction with Historic Royal Palaces.

The two sculptures, which together have over 10,000 poppies, have been saved for the nation by the Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation, and gifted to 14-18 NOW and Imperial War Museums. Financial support for the presentations has been received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and fundraising for the presentations is ongoing.

DAF Trucks are the transport sponsor for the UK presentations.