To commemorate Britain’s involvement in World War I, artist Paul Cummins has created “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red,” a visually striking outdoor installation of 888,246 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London. The red poppies each represent a British or British Colonial military fatality from the war — over the course of the installation, the poppies will be gradually added until the final day, when the last poppy will be ceremonially placed. The installation opens on August 5, 2014, the 100 year anniversary of Britain’s first full day of involvement in World War I. It ends on November 11, the day that the Armistice was signed in 1918, marking the end of the war. The poppies will be available for purchase after the exhibition, with proceeds to benefit six UK charities.

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