Catlin, Tower of London, mark WW1 centenary

Bermuda-headquartered Catlin Group Limited has partnered with the Tower of London and Historic Royal Palaces to commemorate the start of the First World War with a truly unique art installation.

The first of more than 800,000 ceramic poppies — each representing a British and Commonwealth military death during the ‘Great War’ — was ‘planted’ Thursday by one of the Tower of London’s Yeoman Warders (popularly known as ‘Beefeaters’) in the Tower’s dry moat. When completed on Armistice Day on November 11, 2014, the art installation, titled ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, will include 888,246 poppies.

The ceramic poppies can be purchased by the public for £25 each (plus postage), beginning on August 5. 

All net proceeds from the sales will be shared equally among six service charities.

The poppies will be installed over the coming months. As the poppies are installed, they will encircle the Tower, creating a display visible from all sides of the landmark as well as a setting for learning activities related to the First World War.

Stephen Catlin, chief executive of Catlin Group Limited, said: “The centenary of the start of the First World War gives all of us the opportunity to look back, both to remember those who tragically lost their lives but also to reflect on how we can work together to prevent future armed conflicts. 

“We at Catlin are proud to work with the Tower of London to present what will be a moving tribute to those who sacrificed so much from 1914-1918. I hope everyone will have the opportunity to view what will be a beautiful memorial.” n