Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is pleased to present Wave as part of a UK-wide tour of the iconic poppy sculptures organised by 14-18 NOW. The installation will be at YSP from September 2015 to early January 2016.
Wave is from the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red – poppies and original concept created by artist Paul Cummins and installation designed by Tom Piper – by Paul Cummins Ceramics Limited in conjunction with Historic Royal Palaces. The installation was originally at HM Tower of London from August to November 2014 where 888,246 poppies were displayed, one to honour every death in the British and Colonial forces of the First World War.
As part of the tour, the installation known as Weeping Window can be seen at Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland from September to October 2015 and at St George’s Hall, Liverpool from November 2015 to January 2016.
Peter Murray CBE, Founding & Executive Director, Yorkshire Sculpture Park said:
“We’re very pleased to help extend the life and impact of Wave by offering a completely different setting for the public to enjoy this iconic work.
“The sculpture will rise from Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s historic lake, surrounded by 500 acres of stunning Yorkshire countryside and woodland. The calmness and nature of the Park will offer visitors an ideal space for contemplation and reflection.”
Secretary of State John Whittingdale said:
"It is fantastic that there will be new ceramic poppy installations in different parts of the country. This is art at its most powerful and it is only right that everyone should have the chance to see them. The London installation had a huge impact on all those who saw it and the new installations will do the same. This is an another important opportunity for us to remember and pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the First World War"
The two poppy sculptures being presented across the UK, together totaling over 10,000 poppies, 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. Financial support for the presentations has been received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and fundraising for the presentations is ongoing.
DAF Trucks are the transport sponsor for the UK presentations, and 14-18 NOW are delighted to partner with DAF on making this historic project a reality.
Wave is presented in Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s historic Lower Lake, a 1km walk from the main visitor centre and car park. Nearby surroundings include sculptures by world-class artists Anthony Caro, Antony Gormley and Julian Opie, alongside heritage features such as the Bretton Estate’s grand mansion house and the historic Cascade Bridge. A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors directly to Lower Lake from YSP Centre and nearby accessible parking will be available for Blue Badge holders. A complementary events and learning programme will accompany the installation.