Touching tribute: 10k hand-knit poppies

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between early November and late May, the Tower of London is transformed into a sea of red as part of the moat’s annual commemorative art installation, ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’. Inspired by the First World War poem by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, In Flanders Fields, ceramic poppies began filling the moat in 2014 to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Each poppy represented a British or Colonial fatality during the war, with the final installation numbering 888,246 ceramic poppies.

This breathtaking display served as a poignant reminder of the immense loss of life during the conflict, and its impact continues to resonate today. One of the most striking aspects of the installation was the involvement of thousands of volunteers who knitted poppies to add to the display. Their contributions not only helped to create a visually stunning spectacle but also symbolized the collective remembrance and mourning of those who lost their lives.

A new wave of remembrance

In 2021, to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion, a new wave of remembrance swept the nation. Inspired by the original ceramic poppy installation, a group of volunteers in the Scottish Borders town of Kelso embarked on an ambitious project to knit 10,000 poppies to create a cascade down the town’s historic cobbled square.

Led by local resident Liz Stewart, the project quickly gained momentum, with volunteers from across the community coming together to knit poppies in a variety of colors and styles. Each poppy represented a life lost in conflict, and as the cascade grew, it became a powerful symbol of remembrance and hope.

A community united in remembrance

The Kelso poppy cascade was a true community effort, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to contribute to the project. Local businesses donated materials, volunteers gave their time to knit poppies, and the community rallied together to create a lasting tribute to those who had fallen.

The cascade was officially unveiled on November 11, 2021, and it quickly became a focal point for Remembrance Day commemorations. Crowds gathered in the town square to witness the cascade in all its glory, and to pay their respects to the fallen. The cascade served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, and it inspired a renewed sense of community spirit.

A lasting legacy

The Kelso poppy cascade is more than just a beautiful work of art; it is a symbol of remembrance, hope, and community. The project has brought people together, inspired creativity, and created a lasting legacy that will continue to touch the lives of future generations.

As we approach the centenary of the end of the First World War, it is more important than ever to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in conflict. The Kelso poppy cascade is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war, and it serves as a poignant tribute to those who have lost their lives.