Mayor of Maidstone opens tribute to 100 years of Armistice
The Mayor of Maidstone, David Naghi, officially launched the 5000 Poppy Project at Maidstone Museum this week where knitted, crocheted and felt remembrance poppies went on display to mark 100 years of the Armistice.
Over 100 people attended the launch event of the poppy tribute, a project organised by Golding Vision, the community arm of housing association Golding Homes.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Maidstone said it was an honour and a privilege to be involved in the project and thanked the housing association for their continuing work within the community.
Gary Clark, Golding Homes Chief Executive said, “We have been overwhelmed that so many people have come together to create this amazing piece of art comprising over 10,000 poppies and doubling our original target. I would like to thank everyone for all their time and effort in producing this incredible display. This is something we can all be proud of.”
Graham Damms, Golding Resident and Treasurer for the Maidstone branch of the Royal British Legion attended the launch on Tuesday 6 November. He said: “This project has shown how the whole community has worked together. At the Royal British Legion we work with veterans and their families all year round, and are grateful for the awareness the Poppy Project has raised.”
The poppy exhibition, displayed in Maidstone Museum’s café area, was designed by Alexandra Gurr, the museum’s Exhibition Development Officer. Taking inspiration from the Tower of London’s Wave of Poppies, she said: “I based the display on the concept of Poppies on a Breeze, which is undulating and three dimensional. We wanted something special to showcase the poppies that would be both appealing and meaningful.”
The 5000 Poppy Project began in Australia in 2013 when two textile artists, Lynn Berry and Margaret Knight, decided to honour their fathers who fought in World War 2. The project has since become an international tribute to respect and remember those who have served in the war.
The poppy installation can be viewed at Maidstone Museum until 21 December 2018, after which they will be donated to the Royal British Legion for them to sell.