Bid Submitted for Llwyn Isaf to Host Iconic Wave Poppy Sculpture

A bid to host the iconic “Wave” poppy sculpture, that was part of the memorable and extraordinary Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red that appeared at the Tower of London last year has been submitted by Wrexham Council.

The installation formed part of the nation’s 100 anniversary commemorations of the outbreak of WW1.

Two parts of the original Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, which attracted millions of visitors during its time at the Tower of London, will be displayed at locations across the UK in 2015 and 2016. The ‘Wave’ and ‘Weeping Window’ 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.

The bid proposes Llwyn Isaf as the location which is a very popular town centre green area surrounded by trees and popular with young and old alike.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “The Council is very keen to bring this iconic and symbolic installation to Wrexham and along with everyone else I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for a successful outcome. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all those involved in putting the bid together in such a short space of time.”

The bid has been submitted to 14-18NOW: First World War Centenary Art Commissions who asked for expressions of interest early this year.

In its summary document the Commission outlines the criteria to be considered in choosing the locations which includes the ability to provide free access to view the work, the appropriate space to install the sculpture and relevant resonance with the heritage of the First World War.

Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion, said: “We have put in an excellent bid for an superb location which is accessible to all and one which will showcase the sculpture in a fantastic way. I look forward to the response by the end of September and also thank everyone for their involvement to date.

The outcome of the bid will be known by 30 September.