Tower of London ceramic poppies to be displayed at Lincoln Castle

Thousands of ceramic poppies first displayed at the Tower of London will be on show at Lincoln Castle next summer.

The castle is one of three venues to have been selected to host the iconic poppies which were created by Derbyshire artist Paul Cummins, who was inspired to produce a poppy for each of the 888,446 British servicemen and women who died in the First World War.

Part of that display, known as Wave, will be at Lincoln Castle from May 28 to September 4, 2016.

Wave is one of two sculptures from the installation ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, which was originally at Tower of London in 2014.

The display of sweeping arch of bright red poppies suspended on towering stalks is currently at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park until January 10.

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

“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.”

Entry to the grounds will still be free except on days where the castle his holding special events.

Photo: Ian Capper

Another poppy display, known as Weeping Willow, will be displayed at Black Watch Castle and Museum in Perth, Scotland, from June 30 to September 25, and at Caernarfon Castle in Wales from October 12 to November 20.

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 is ongoing.

Jenny Waldman, Director of 14-18 NOW, said: “We are delighted that we can now take the poppies to more places across the UK over the next three years, presenting a wonderful opportunity for even more people to experience these iconic sculptures.

“I am hugely grateful to the government for enabling this landmark tour to happen. We are also very grateful to the Backstage Trust, Clore Duffield Foundation, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for their continued support, and to our transport sponsor DAF Trucks.”