The 20,000 ceramic poppies in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber. (Tom Maddick via SWNS)
By Adam Dutton
A stunning display of 20,000 ceramic poppies in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber has been unveiled ahead of Victory in Europe Day 2025.
The installation was created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius at the International Bomber Command Center (IBCC) in Lincoln.
Drone images show the handmade poppies arranged in the silhouette of an Avro Lancaster heavy bomber.
The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of the Second World War.
Some 7,377 were built, but there are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world.
Sirmulevicius, who now lives in Lincolnshire, said he wanted to pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in World War Two.
(Tom Maddick via SWNS)
The artwork will mark VE Day on May 8, as the UK celebrates the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Allied Forces over Nazi Germany.
IBCC CEO Nicky van der Drift said: “During World War Two, more than a million men and women served in or supported Bomber Command, and Lincolnshire housed over a third of all the RAF Bomber Command stations.
“In the UK, the red poppy is the national symbol of remembrance.
“Despite the devastation and horrific loss of life in war-torn Europe, poppies flourished and grew on battlefields and this spectacular display in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber is a fitting tribute to their sacrifice.
“It serves as a point of remembrance, a reminder of the cost of war and an education piece for all ages, which is at the heart of everything we do here.”
The artwork will be on display until the end of August when each uniquely made poppy will be sold with the proceeds going to charities.
