Should Wrexham Host ‘Iconic Poppy Sculpture’?

Locations across Wales are being asked to bid for the opportunity to host an iconic poppy sculpture marking the centenary of the beginning of the First World War – with requests online already asking if Wrexham can take part.

Wales Remembers 1914-18 have today asked locations across Wales to make a bid to host one of the special poppy sculptures, which had been previously installed at the Tower of London as part of the commemorations to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War.

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.

Already there have been requests to Wrexham MP Ian Lucas and Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths on Twitter asking if Wrexham can make a bid to host one of the commemorative sculptures.

@Clairey_lew tweeted Mr Lucas and Ms Griffiths yesterday, saying: “Can we bring them to Wrexham please? Be fab for Wrexham with our RWF heritage. #Wrexham a barracks town, THE place to display the poppies.”

Daisy Hope added: “Woohoo! Yes let’s do it and bring the tower poppies to #Wrexham perfect with RWF barracks town heritage.”

Mr Lucas later tweeted to say: “I agree totally. I suggest the bank on St Giles’ Way.” Ms Griffiths has also tweeted to confirm that she has sent off for a further information pack.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms Griffiths said: “Last year’s poppy display at the Tower of London which commemorated the centenary of the beginning of the First World War really captured the public’s imagination.

“Wrexham has always been proud of its strong military heritage and if there was an opportunity for the region to display the iconic poppy sculptures, I believe it would provide a major boost for the town, attract more people to the area and benefit North Wales as a whole.”

“Although it is early days and certain criteria must be met, I have made initial enquiries and spoken to Ken Skates AM, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism in the Welsh Government, who is very supportive of the idea.”

A number of criteria will be considered in choosing the locations, including ability to provide free access to view the work, the appropriate space to install the sculptures, and relevant resonance with the heritage of the First World War.

The locations for the presentations across the UK will be chosen by a panel including the artist who created the original concept, Paul Cummins, designer Tom Piper, Director of 14-18 NOW Jenny Waldman, Ade Adepitan and Director-General of Imperial War Museums Diane Lees. The panel will consult with Historic Royal Palaces and other stakeholders in making their decision.

If you are interested in presenting one of the sculptures please email [email protected] for an information pack. For any enquires about the application process please contact 14-18 NOW: [email protected]