War centenary marked by ‘weeping’ poppy memorial
THE sea of poppies sculpture which saw thousands of visitors visit the Tower of London opens at the Senedd today.
Made up of thousands of ceramic poppies painstakingly put into place one-by-one, the work, called Weeping Willow, was created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper.
Weeping Window is one of two sculptures taken from the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red originally at the Tower of London in 2014, where 888,246 poppies were displayed – one for every British or Colonial life lost at the Front during World War I.
The display forms part of Wales’ programme of events marking the centenary of World War I and coincides with the centenary of Battle of Passchendaele, which took the lives of many Welshmen, including the celebrated poet Hedd Wyn.
It is the second time the sculpture has visited Wales after it was on display at Caernarfon Castle last year.
But for the first time, visitors will be able to view the sculpture from all sides, including behind, through the Senedd’s floor to ceiling windows.
Younger visitors will be able to explore a free Senedd Trail or try their hands at making a poppy and, for those a little older, there will be free half-hour tours on the hour to illustrate why democracy at the Senedd is important to ensuring peace in society.
Visitors will be also encouraged to leave a comment in reflection.
And on Thursday evenings in August, the Senedd will be open until 8pm for visitors to see the sculpture as the light changes.
Alongside Weeping Window, the National Assembly for Wales will host an exhibition titled Women, War and Peace by renowned photojournalist Lee Karen Stow. The exhibition tells the story of Welsh women affected by war.
Ann Jones AM, Deputy Presiding Officer at the National Assembly, said: “It is a privilege and an honour to host this iconic sculpture at our iconic Senedd.
“It is the focal point of Welsh civic and political life and it is fitting that we mark the sacrifice made by so many Welsh women and men during the First World War by displaying this poignant piece of work.
“Together with Lee Karen’s Stow’s exhibition and the Weeping Window, the Senedd is displaying two pieces which invite us to take time to contemplate how so many fought and died to protect democracy and our way of life.”
Jenny Waldman, director of 14-18 NOW, said: “The poppies have captivated millions of people across the UK, and we are delighted to have worked with the National Assembly for Wales to present Weeping Window at the Senedd in Cardiff.
“We are so grateful to artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper for these two enormously powerful artworks of national significance that continue to inspire all who see them.”
Weeping Window will be on display at the Senedd until September 24.