Wednesday, October 15, 2014

100 years since the day Britain went to war in 1914--Red Poppy Exhibit at the Tower Of London

Today marks the 100 anniversary of the day England entered the Great War, the war we know as World War I


In this photo from Getty Images, you see the red ceramic poppies that have been "planted" in the exhibit in honour of the centennial date of October 15, 1914 in the artist's installation by Paul Cummins called Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red.  The exhibit includes over 120,000 hand made ceramic poppies.  Here is the view from above the Tower Of London...


which so effectively looks like the spilled blood of the soldiers who gave their lives in what was supposed to be "The War To End All Wars"...



  
Poppy planting for the installation was visited by royalty like Prince William, Catherine and Prince Harry...

 
 and assisted...albeit ceremonially...by all branches of service. This photo is of 3 generations of Grenadier Guardsmen...the oldest now a Chelsea Pensioner, the middle now a Yeoman Warder at the Tower, popularly known as a Beefeater, and a present day Grenadier Guard. My husband was a Coldstream Guardsman, a brother regiment in the Queen's Brigade Of Guards.


To read my previous post about a Royal Albert Crown China commemorative teacups trio from 1914, click HERE

to read an account in the Mail Online about the installation with a video as well, click HERE

A day to remember with sorrow for loss...wish we could all learn from the terrible history of war.... 

5 comments:

Pamela Gordon said...

Ruth this is the first time I've visited this blog. I found the post interesting and the photos beautiful. The arial photo makes the poppies really look like blood spilling. It's quite chilling to see. My father fought in WWI in Europe and was stationed in England. Pam

Antiques And Teacups said...

Love the aerial photo. Amazing!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

You said:
"Today marks the 100 anniversary of the day England entered the Great War, the war we know as World War II."

1914 - that'd be WWI, yes? Just double checking. I didn't see an email to write you privately.

I LOVE YOUR BLOG and all the history and important things going on across the pond. Thank you for helping us learn. Hugs.

Cherie said...

Wow, that looks stunning. We are planning to visit early in November.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Oh my Ruth, that really does look like spilled blood. I can imagine that it is so heart wrenching to see it in real life. I really enjoyed the history you shared. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

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