Liverpool’s Poppies have reached a major milestone as they attract more than 250,000 visitors.
The beautiful ceramic display featuring thousands of poppies officially opened on Saturday 7 November and each week tens of thousands of people are braving the wintry conditions to see the tribute – with the current total at 263,500 visitors.
Poppies: Weeping Window is a poignant reminder of those who have lost their lives during conflict has proved to be an emotional work of art for many visitors, and more than 1,000 people have taken the time to fill out a “Time to Remember and Reflect” postcard to record their reaction to the Poppies or to remember loved ones who lost their lives during war.
Some of the comments have included:
Long-time lover, first time visitor of Liverpool. The Poppy wall took my breath away. I could surely feel the spirit of those long ago gone and the emotions of the people in Paris. God bless this beautiful world, so glad to have visited this amazing city.
Vivienne Henry, 51, California
The Poppy Weeping Window is the most beautiful tribute I have ever seen. The Poppies are so beautiful yet create a peaceful calm. They are arranged with so much care to create such beauty; you can only feel emotion when looking at them. Liverpool has produced a ‘window’ that no one else can. Everyone should visit (all staff were so friendly and helpful) thank you.
Christine and Matthew Pye, St Helens
A very poignant memorial to all those brave men who lost their lives from my own family. Herbert Hartley Senior 19 years, the Somme, John Raymond Senior 23 years, shot down over France, Robert Frost Justice, somewhere in Flanders never found.
Jean, 72, Chester
Remembering Uncle David age 3 killed by a bomb blast – and Great Uncle Bob Cheshire Regiment killed in North Africa, gone but not forgotten
Ruth and Jennifer Moore, Birkenhead
WW1 Joseph Johnson. A very young man sent to France and was lucky to be put behind the big guns. Returned a hero. He never picked up his medals and always commented that the real heroes were the ones who didn’t return home
Esther Davies, Granddaughter of Joseph
In loving memory of my granddad Ronald who fought in the Second World War. Love Oliver
Oliver, 8, Liverpool
To all of those who have fought bravely both in WWI and all the wars that have followed, we will never forget. Time may have passed but your legacy will always live on.
Rhiannon Wells, 18, Flintshire
In memory of my dad who gave his life for freedom and now sleeps in peace in a war cemetery in Italy age 26 years.
Daughter who will always remember
I think that the Poppies were interesting and beautiful but it was sad when I thought of all the people who lost their lives
Erin, 10, Burscough
A wonderful display. Let’s hope it makes everyone reflect on the sacrifices that were made and are still being made. The horrors of war are still evident every day, let’s hope one day there will be peace. In loving memory of my dear dad who served in the 2nd World War.
Anonymous
For Kenneth Glenfield Collin, died on the Somme 12 October 1916 leading his men from the front aged 19.
Ruth Collin, Little Sutton
We the young need to remember and show our gratitude to all those who have given so much for our freedom.
Honey 10, Bailey 8, Nico 5, Middleton
A fitting tribute to all those who died for us. so moving and beautiful at the same time. Liverpool you have done the fallen proud.
M Eves, 70, North Wales
The postcards can be found in the marquee on the plateau of St George’s Hall. The Poppies team will electronically log all contributions which will be published on the official website – www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/poppies.
The online Roll of Honour is also another way in which members of the public can remember loved ones involved in conflict. Images or just a short note can be easily uploaded to www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/poppiesrollofhonour with the aim to create an online legacy around the reaction to the Weeping Window.
Assistant Mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:
“To reach the quarter of a million mark already is incredible and we have been truly overwhelmed by the response to the Poppies.
“Reading the hundreds and hundreds of comment postcards left by the public has been an emotional experience in itself. The Poppies set in the beautiful surroundings of St George’s Hall inevitably evoke a reaction and I am so pleased that people have been eager to share their responses, memories and sometimes incredibly personal, moving stories with us to record online.
“We are home to the Poppies until Sunday 17 January and we want to make sure that even after the work of art has moved on, we have a legacy of their time in this city, and the visitor feedback and the Roll of Honour will do just that.
“There are five weeks still to go, so I hope people continue to tell us just what the Poppies means to them.”
The poppies are in the city as part of a UK-wide tour organised by 14-18 NOW who are the national organisers of the First World War Centenary Cultural Programme.
Jenny Waldman, 14-18 NOW Director, said:
“14-18 NOW are thrilled with the overwhelming response the poppies have received in Liverpool.
“The installation at St George’s Hall looks stunning, and it’s wonderful that so many people in the area have been able to experience this extraordinary artwork. We hope many more people will be able to visit the poppies over the festive period before Weeping Window makes its way to the Black Watch Museum in Scotland in May 2016.”
For the latest information visit www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/poppies, follow @culturelpool on Twitter, or Like Culture Liverpool on Facebook.