Ypres 2016 – Poppy Cenotaph, Ypres, Belgium

An International black-smithing is event taking place in Ypres this September from 1st to 6th.  This event will commemorate ‘for everyone on both sides’  the Centenary of the World War One battle of the Somme.

In September 2016, a striking new World War 1 Cenotaph will be created at the Grote Markt, in front of the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, Belgium. The Cenotaph will be located adjacent to the German War Cemetery at Langemark Poelkapelle. This will be achieved by constructing a 7m high, 2m wide by 100 mm thick solid steel pillar, weighing 12 tons.   Surrounding this will be 2016 steel poppies (pictured) again surrounded by some 25 steel railing panels.  This will all be made by Blacksmiths and Smiths from around the world have been invited to create artwork to be placed in these blank panels which are being placed in ‘zig zag’ fashion to represent the Somme trenches.

The inspiration for this project came from ‘Belgian Smith’ Luc Vandecasteele  who collaboratively worked with British, French and German Smiths initially, to launch this project worldwide.

The Poppies for this project are being made by Smiths worldwide with some being made available for sale to the public, monies from sales being used to help with funding for this huge project, more about this can be found on http://www.ypres2016.com.  There is a small display in the Heritage Centre if you would like to have a closer look.

Poppies (galvanised and powder coated) are £30.00 available through the website or locally to Whitchurch people ‘saving postage’.  ‘T’ shirts, Polo shirts and key-fobs with the event logo are also available.  Please get involved, phone Pat Robinson 07866 915493 for more information.

Poppy image

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