More than 500 poppies (and counting) made from recycled bottles have been planted in the grounds of Cranbrook School to serve as a poignant and beautiful tribute. The installation lies at the heart of the School, a constant reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Following a school visit to the war graves in Belgium, Art Technician Anja Pomeroy was inspired to create the visual display.  Anja said: “I wanted to bring Cranbrook School together as a community to create this project. It is a reminder that everyone plays an important role, just like each soldier did in the World Wars, and together we can make something that is beautiful and moving.”

Head of Art, James Kenny said: “by repurposing materials that would have otherwise been discarded, this remarkable project has conveyed a powerful message about the potential for beauty and significance that lies within everyday objects. Inspired by the work of Paul Cummins, who famously installed 888,246 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, each representing a British and colonial fatality during the Great War.”

Supported by Mrs Pomeroy, members of the School’s Art Club prepared the donated bottles, painting, drilling holes for the plastic wires and finally assembling the poppies.

Members of the Cranbrook School community, including both students and staff have taken the opportunity to plant a poppy in Remembrance which has had a profound effect.  There is also a purple poppy, which commemorates service animals who were killed in action.

Old Cranbrookians who gave the ultimate sacrifice are remembered at the School’s annual Service of Remembrance, with their names and military rank being read aloud.