Bloxham School’s Art Department is midway through a project to produce remembrance poppies, replicas of those displayed outside the Tower of London last year
Bloxham School’s Art Department are midway through producing replica’s of the poppies that were on display at the Tower of London last year, in recognition of those who have lost their lives fighting for their country, including the 79 OBs who died in the First World War.
The major art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London, marked one hundred years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War. Created by artists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, 888,246 ceramic poppies progressively filled the Tower’s famous moat between 17 July and 11 November 2014. Each poppy represented a British military fatality during the war. The poppies encircled the iconic landmark, creating not only a spectacular display visible from all around the Tower but also a location for personal reflection. The scale of the installation was intended to reflect the magnitude of such an important centenary and create a powerful visual commemoration.
The Bloxham Art Department is creating its own interpretation of this installation. They invited local Potter, William Lehmann to run a workshop with the First Form. Mr Lehmann works for Whichford Pottery, who helped make 100,000 poppies of more than 880,000 used in last year’s Tower of London display. During the First Form’s workshop, they were shown how to make the poppies in the same way, using the original cutters and techniques. They also produced some paintings and drawings of poppies. The idea behind the workshop is the First Form will make 79 poppies which will represent the Old Bloxhamists that died during the First World War. These poppies will then go on display on the Headmaster’s Lawn for Remembrance Day.