Tower poppies could head to Chesterfield in 2016
Part of the poppy sculpture by Chesterfield artist Paul Cummins could be heading to the town as Chesterfield Borough Council makes a bid to display the commemorative artwork next year.
The council, together with Chesterfield College, Destination Chesterfield and ex-servicemen’s organisations, has completed an expression of interest to host the Weeping Window sculpture, which was part of the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red on display at HM Tower of London in autumn 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War.
The display features 2,800 ceramic poppies, which will cascade from a building of some height. Options for displaying the sculpture include the Town Hall, Rose Hill.
Paul came up with the original idea for the sculpture after looking at some First World War archives while visiting the local studies and family history section of Chesterfield Library.
He was inspired by a line in the will of an unknown soldier, who died at Flanders, which said: “The blood-swept lands and seas of red, where angels fear to tread.”
This gave him the idea of making an installation with ceramic poppies representing each of the dead.
The decision on whether the borough will host the sculpture will be made by a panel including Paul Cummins; 14-18 NOW, the official First World War Centenary cultural programme and the Imperial War Museum.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy and vice chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The First World War was a watershed in our history. Hosting the Weeping Window sculpture would be fitting for us to remember the many Chesterfield men and women who gave their lives during the conflict.
“As the artist, Paul Cummins, is from Chesterfield, this would also be an opportunity to show our pride in him and his work in his home town.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Cestrefeldians all felt immense pride when Paul Cummins’ poppy installation received such international acclaim. The chance to have the poppies on display here in Paul’s home town, the place where he got the inspiration for this magnificent artwork, is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
They represent so much about Chesterfield, not least the many men who lost their lives in the war; it seems only fitting that the artwork returns to its spiritual home. I hope the entire Chesterfield community – businesses and residents – join the campaign to make this happen. If successful, this will be momentous for Chesterfield and put our town further on the map for investors helping create jobs.”
The decision on whether Chesterfield could host the sculpture will be made in September.
If successful, the artwork could be on display in the town in 2016.
The council will seek sponsorship to cover the cost of displaying the sculpture. Anyone with any suggestions for funding should contact: Bernadette Wainwright, cultural and visitor services manager by email: bernadette.wainwright@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 345779.
