‘Weeping Window’ officially opens

April 22, 2016 at 9:24 am

Poppies210416_17 — On Thursday finishing touches were made to the installation by representatives of the community. Pictured here are Stromness Primary School teacher Joanna Shearer with pupils Leah Hamilton and Taigan Adamson. (www.theorcadianphotos.co.uk)

Poppies210416_01 — Poppies: Weeping Window – now complete at St Magnus Cathedral. (www.theorcadianphotos.co.uk)

It has been taking shape over the past week and today, Friday, the completed installation of ceramic poppies at St Magnus Cathedral will be officially “opened” with a short ceremony on the Kirk Green.

Earlier this year, 14-18 NOW, the UK’s official arts programme for the First World War centenary, announced that Poppies: Weeping Window would go on display at the cathedral to commemorate 100 years since the Battle of Jutland.

Installation work began last weekend and was completed yesterday, Thursday.

The installation is part of Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, which was at the Tower of London in 2014 where 888,246 poppies were displayed, one to honour every death in the British and Colonial forces of the First World War.

Attending the opening ceremony will be Nigel Hinds, executive producer for 14-18 NOW, and OIC convener Councillor Steven Heddle.

Poppies: Weeping Window will be in place until June 12.