English Heritage is pleased to announce that it will present Weeping Window by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper at Carlisle Castle from 23 May to 8 July 2018 as part of the final year of 14-18 NOW’s UK-wide tour of the iconic poppies. 

The presentations by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, give people across the UK the chance to experience the impact of the ceramic poppy sculptures in a range of places of particular First World War resonance. The tour has been made possible by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Backstage Trust, the Clore Duffield Foundation and the National Lottery.

Throughout the First World War, Carlisle Castle was the headquarters for the Border Regiment, one of the oldest in the British Army.  The poppy sculpture will be displayed from the top of the keep, arching over the inner ward wall and cascading down into the outer ward of the castle complex, an area which incorporates the military barracks and parade ground where troops were housed and trained in preparation for front-line combat in the First World War. A total of 23,000 recruits passed through the castle during the war.

Andrea Selley, Historic Properties Director of English Heritage North says;“With the role Carlisle Castle played in the history of the north west and its extraordinary military legacy, we are privileged to host the Poppies here in Carlisle.  English Heritage is truly honoured to be part of this very special arts programme and particularly to be involved in the last year of the national Poppies tour. We know that the sculptures and the ethos of connecting people with the First World War will resonate with our visitors, and these 47 days with the Poppies on site will be seen as the next chapter in Carlisle’s history.”

Wave and Weeping Window are from the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red – poppies and original concept 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 for every British or Colonial life lost at the Front during the First World War.

Together, the sculptures Wave and Weeping Window are made of over 11,000 poppies. At the end of the tour they will become part of the permanent collections at the Imperial War Museums.

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. The learning and engagement programme for the poppies tour is supported by the Foyle Foundation.