Making the poppies - The Tower of London Remembers

[@akualezlihope7301]

That the creators are creating community, communicating history, commemorating through art, is deeply moving. Thank you for sharing the beautiful process, which affirms life.

[@potclays]

We are incredibly proud to be the supplier of all of the clay and most of the equipment being used by Paul Cummins to manufacture the 888k poppies being installed at the Tower. This is an immense undertaking by Paul and the result is likely to be one of the UK's most poignant and visually powerful representations of the sacrifice made by those brave servicemen. The sheer enormity of the loss of life is shocking even on paper but to see this as an installation will be even more so. On a personal note my great grandfather was in the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards and served throughout the conflict from 1914. He luckily returned home safely but I understand that other members of our family weren't as lucky. I will be remembering his contribution when we visit the opening of the installation tomorrow.

[@cazstar1989]

Awh that's really lovely :) I'm very proud that I've already purchased one

[@howunavailable]

I was privileged enough to plant some last Saturday, they aren't too fiddly once the washers are on..in the right order. You feel that when you cup each one carefully in your hand it is that moment you realise what each one represents, so you do it very carefully. Each one IS different. You felt you had to carry it so carefully from the box to the stalk as so much work and thought had gone into it. I have another shift in September and hope to get last morning shift on the last day of planting to see the whole effect! A once in a lifetime chance to be involved in something so moving in such an historic place.

[@Oakleaf700]

My poppy arrived thismorning, and it felt really special to hold it..it is beautiful, and now sits in an earthenware jar full of peacock feathers,shed by a local woman's living birds, which support and frame the poppy beautifully. It is lovely to think of all the poppies being cared for in homes across the globe..some have gone to Australia. Very huge undertaking, but you did it! Well done. My son't great Grandfather was in the RHA, and survived 1914-18, but the scars emotionally remained. The Turner Prize ought to go to these Poppies!

[@lizramsay8806]

WoW!!!! From a Kiwi living in Australia I can only say Thankyou.I was lucky my Grandad came home but I feel for those who lost there sons and daughters to such a horrible cause.

[@alanmarshall377]

This is a wonderful way to honour those who served in the horror of war! Kudos to the artists involved in this project!

[@kyliannicolas]

Poop

[@paulinehuddert6973]

I so often think of my dear Grandfather who stood by his men throughout WWI. He never spoke of his time in France, his medals were just kept rattling around in the old pine kitchen table. He was not a boy but a regular soldier in his 40's, but I know he was there for the young boys to help them find courage and fortitude. The poppies are so beautiful, they need to stand in the winter sun longer, just so we do not forget the futility of war.

[@karenwhittington4515]

to witness this in person is one of the most moving experiences of my life.

[@chriseccleston1437]

Congratulations to Paul Cummins and all his team!

[@artbyamitabhakta]

Amazing, and inspiring. What a beautiful tribute.

[@jameswhyard2858]

A river of blood red commemoration flowing from the heart of England... Brilliant...

[@hxania]

.I saw it at the Tower of London. A great impression. and emotion.

[@jennierose3781]

So Soo Impressed loved seeing them all at the London Tower! Lest we forget RIP William George Lowton Enfield Regiment 1914!

[@DottieDesignsxx]

Amazing work - such soul in the process too :)

[@mikebryant7359]

Such a touching thing!! Respect to you guys for making these oh and to the 50 odd people who dislikes this video I've got two words for you!!!

[@mimi45945]

just beautiful. the families of each fallen hero must be proud. I cant help thinking that if those heros saw the Britain they fought for now, what would they think?

[@1000candice]

What an amazing installation. Commemorating a time when all of Britain stood shoulder to shoulder against a common foe.

[@Oakleaf700]

Yet the German lads who enlisted were just like British boys! [I read ''All quiet on the Western Front and the emotions they felt were just the same- many enlisted for love of their country, too- and there was camaraderie between Germans and English at times, especially when they were lying injured next to each other in a shell hole, or at the famous Christmas Truce. The ordinary lads were not to blame, they were human too.

[@claireabellemakes7761]

Such an inspiring project!

[@josephwolfe8771]

God Bless the Queen and England! Such magnificent and caring people-I am a Yank but am so proud to be descended from such.

[@Sheilasembroidery]

Fantastic well done everyone

[@ritabennett2746]

I am a Ceramic Artist and this is amazing.

[@heidiannemorris]

Beautiful film ♥ so many, so so many. x #forsharing

[@weedo1953]

I have put my name down for one of the Poppy's when they go on sale,I so hope I am lucky enough to get one .

[@susanrobertson8022]

Where did you put your name down?

[@cazstar1989]

They are on sale now poppies.hrp.org.uk/buy-a-poppy/

[@susanrobertson8022]

Thanks Carrie, I've placed my order...a bit expensive with shipping to Oz but for a good cause :-)

[@paulwilkins5871]

I have already bought a poppy as well - and am also concerned that only 10% of the cost will go to the charities named... What sort of overheads does Mr. Cummins need to cover... and what does he expect to make in 'profit' from this exercise?

[@PaulEbbens]

"All net proceeds plus a guaranteed 10% from every poppy sold will be shared equally amongst six service charities, which we hope will raise millions of pounds if all poppies are sold."

[@kellyburgess671]

WOW! just WOW!

[@MrQuintonia]

Amazing!

[@Oakleaf700]

A poppy arrived thismorning- undamaged, it is beautiful! and the memories of WW1 are within it. Thank you.

[@jt8705]

Can i know what kind of art movement is this? Need to find out for my project!

[@wendyjane3475]

absolutley gutted as i really wanted to buy one for my wife but all sold out any ideas where i can purchse one would be greatly apprieciated

[@LeGenerall]

Does anyone know the name of the song that plays halfway through the video? PLEASE tell me!!!

[@josephtaylor6901]

i had to watch this at my school lol

[@cherokee4151]

Fascinante ❤

[@annporter3928]

You can buy a Poppy now in advance on the Historic Palaces Tower of London website. Google Ceramic poppies for sale. They are delivered after the exhibit finishes on 11th Nov. I have bought one, over 10,000 sold by 09.50 today!

[@SamanthaMumbaMusic]

Does anyone know where i could buy one of these or have one they would sell for a reasonable price? my mum tried to get one last year, it would make a great Christmas present but i will not go near £100 as if you expect me to pay 100 for some clay then walk on! if you have a reasonable price please get in touch.

[@susanrobertson8022]

I'd like to put my name down to buy one after if it's possible....my Grand dad (from Lancashire) left his reading glasses on the train (deliberately) to join in 1914 (he was 17) He was one of 14 brothers and sisters...He then dropped his age here in Australia to join the field ambulance in New Guinea in WW2 (my Nan was not impressed!), thankfully he came home, but died of cancer. He was gassed in WW1

[@cazstar1989]

Hi Susan you can buy them here : poppies.hrp.org.uk/buy-a-poppy/ I know they are taking orders because I've already ordered :) they won't be shipped until installation finished in November

[@susanpeters8689]

How does one purchase a poppy?

[@coraldavies2983]

im so sorry that I didn't get to purchase one.

[@samwells303]

how can i order these great ceramic poppies i need `10

[@ruthlindsay4476]

yes have bought 2 my father was in WW1 but luckly came home died in 1985 aged 93yr. so young man like so many lost i uncle

[@nsj3053]

RT si t es la car madame Argenton la pas poster sur sa chaine

[@louiselomax6590]

They are butiful

[@bobshwd65]

I say!!! Jolly Good!!

[@fokgyemjani]

stark !

[@hetrichards499]

wow. simply wow. What a beautiful project, it has brought tears to my cheeks. thank you xx

[@paulosdasilva]

AARTESEFAZ CERÂMICA MUITO BEM ORGANIZADO MARAVILHOSO O PROJETO GOSTEI MUITO GOSTARIA DE TAMBEM PODER PARTICIPAR COMO VOLUNTÁRIO.

[@ShiresMatt]

Sadly and rather shockingly only 10% that's £2.50 from the £25 of each poppy will be given to Charity. The other £22.50 shall go elsewhere.

[@deniselada6711]

I should imagine all the workers will have to be paid something, then there is the cost of materials and electricity etc.

[@PaulEbbens]

"All net proceeds plus a guaranteed 10% from every poppy sold will be shared equally amongst six service charities, which we hope will raise millions of pounds if all poppies are sold."

[@trudiewilson6435]

All net proceeds plus a guaranteed 10% from every poppy sold will be shared equally amongst six service charities, which we hope will raise millions of pounds if all poppies are sold. The net proceeds is the amount of money left after deducting the costs incurred from manufacturing, transportation, installation etc, as well as VAT.

[@philippacowhig-morris5583]

I am POPPY HOLDER 409655

[@EarthKandiSoap]

All those people to make something that poor? Nothing artistic about them. Should've gone to Etsy!

[@johnsmith-eh3de]

Fuck off troll.

[@sallypeakyblinders5906]

Remembering the two World Wars, and all people serving and non serving , who were killed , Wounded, caught in conflict, we also remember people today, who are living through troubled times. Each Poppy Petal, represents every single drop of blood spilled in conflict. The Poppy does not glorify War, if anything the Poppy is a statement against wars., It reminds us that we as a human race have failed, we have failed to live in peace with our neighbours, the Poppy is a reminder of Sorrow felt by all, -that wars should never happen again, sadly we need a constant minder, LEST WE FORGET ~ The Flanders poppy is a native of northern Europe and it does not have hallucinogenic properties.

[@johnsmith-eh3de]

Thanks Wendy.

[@fiddlediddle3498]

Do you know anything about these poppies and what they were used for and what they stand for? If you do you should be ashamed of that comment. If you don't know then I suggest you google images TOWER OF LONDON POPPIES to find out. Every person who took part in this AMAZING project should be extremely proud of yourselves. It was wonderful and very moving to see.

[@sallypeakyblinders5906]

theres a song for you , the Beatles recorded, suits you, it's called "The fool on the hill"