Thursday 20 August 2015

Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red [Again]

poppies oct 2014
In October Liz and I were among those who queued to see the amazing display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London. It was very moving – but when I went into the shop to buy one, they said that the last one had been pre-ordered sometime before. I was really thrilled therefore to receive a housewarming present from Adrian and Marion in February – one of the poppies.
in box
It came, dismantled, carefully packed in bubble wrap with a booklet explaining the story of the installation and a certificate of authenticity, plus instructions on how to assemble the ceramic flower onto the metal stem [and a note explaining that the rust on the stem was all part of the artwork!]
But how to display it? I didn’t want to ‘plant’ it in a garden [Dorset or Norfolk] and I was anxious that in a vase it may get knocked over and smashed. Stainless steel stands, and display tubes were for sale on the internet, and some people have mounted theirs into a base. But anything used would have to be sturdy and support the weight of the heavy ceramic head. The poppy has remained safely in its box for six months whilst we pondered on the best thing to do.
P1020069
Ian, our next door neighbour here has a huge stack of stones in his garden, which came from a stonemason’s yard. Bob explained what we needed, and he kindly said we could take any piece that we wanted.
Bob chose a block of granite. He measured the diameter of the stem, and drilled a 5mm hole part way through the block. Using epoxy resin, he stuck the stem into the block, and then assembled the flower. It now has pride of place beside our fireplace.
Thanks to Bob for the DIY, Ian for the stone, and Adrian and Marion for the poppy itself. I wonder what has happened to the other 888,245 poppies? We shall certainly treasure ours.

8 comments:

  1. Three poppies came my way and I gave away two. The third is still in its packaging as I too await inspiration.

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  2. It is beautiful, a treasure to keep.

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  3. We are making some at pottery class......don't build your hopes up! lol - mine wont be up to much.

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  4. The poppy is beautiful.
    Carolx

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  5. Two of them are in my mum's silk poppy display and another one is mounted in a block of wood, much like your granite, chez mon baby brother. Just 888,239 to account for now!

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  6. Oh that's clever! How kind of him to give you the stone and you and Bob are as innovative as ever!x

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