A captivating exhibit of over 20,000 ceramic poppies has been unveiled at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln, deeply moving many of its onlookers. The display, which features poppies arranged in the distinct shape of a Lancaster Bomber, has been praised as ‘remarkable’ by Nicky van der Drift, IBCC’s chief executive. “It’s a profound spectacle that moves people to tears,” van der Drift commended. This installation is a part of the VE80 Lincoln project, a tribute to VE Day, and features a memorial of 617 handcrafted poppies placed on the Memorial Spire, in honour of the force known as the Dambusters. Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, a Lincolnshire resident since 1998, is the creator of this poignant showcase. The public’s emotional reaction to his work greatly gratified Sirmulevicius, who commented, “I have invested my whole being into this.” Van der Drift stressed the significance of remembrance in the present global climate and called for peaceful resolutions over warfare. The exhibit will be available for viewing until the end of August. Each poppy will be sold to raise funds for the IBCC, the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust, and the Wooden Spoon Trust. VE80 Lincoln is a joint endeavour by the IBCC, Francourt Events, Sage Blue, and Lincoln Rugby Club.
The Lincoln Post adapted this story from the original reporting of www.bbc.com.
