Droitwich Blacksmith Lends Skill to Striking Cenotaph in Flanders
Artist Blacksmith Michelle Parker FWCB. is employing her craft alongside fellow blacksmiths and farriers from around the world to create a striking new First World War Cenotaph in Flanders, Belgium at the Ypres 2016 International blacksmithing event taking place in September.
Standing 7m tall, the simple metal slab of weathering steel weighing 12 tonne will feature the evocative image of a single Flanders poppy. At its base will be ‘planted’ a field of 2016 steel poppies in remembrance of all who suffered during the war, each handcrafted by blacksmiths from around the world.
"Ypres 2016 is a special project for all of us," Michelle said. "We, along with blacksmiths around the world have been busy making poppies, some will encircle the Cenotaph while others are being sold to raise funds for the project.”
“I am honoured and thrilled to be part of the Ypres 2016 event in Belgium. I’m looking forward to working with many talented smiths from around the world, renewing old friendships and forging new ones as we commemorate all those involved in The Great War."
Most people have a connection somewhere in their past to World War I. This is an opportunity for craftsmen all over the world to provide something for future generations and I’m proud to be able to contribute. It is also a unique opportunity for the public to see the creative making process and to engage with the project on different levels.”
Hundreds of blacksmiths and farriers from around the world will come together to create the Cenotaph in a weeklong event in Ypres, and once completed it will be installed adjacent to the German War Cemetery in Langemark-Poelkapelle, Flanders. The event will demonstrate the craft of blacksmithing and farriery, include live shoeing demonstrations, a children’s forging area, and lectures. An international exhibition of work by blacksmiths on the theme of transition will be part of the event, demonstrating their creativity with metal.
Blacksmiths and farriers played an important role during WW1, from repairing and maintaining equipment to shoeing the millions of horses which were a vital part of the war. Michael Morpurgo author of War Horse is a Patron of the event and has shown his support by recording a video for the crowdfunding campaign launched to raise funds for the project. Reflecting on recent international events Michael Morpurgo said “This truly is a unique project, and it is important because it’s the first Cenotaph for everyone in a time when we understand peace is so important.”
“Over £100k has already been raised to fund the project through donations and sponsorship, and we’re on target to raise the required sum. These beautifully crafted poppies have proved so popular we’ve made them available for individuals to buy. As they are made of metal they’re very robust but have a delicate quality. They have been galvanized and powder coated to give them a rust colouring, but it also means they are durable and suitable for indoors and outdoors” said Eira Rowe of the Ypres 2016 organising team. “Many of the 2016 poppies which will encircle the Cenotaph have already been sponsored by individuals in memory of loved ones through the www.Ypres2016.com website”
“It’s a perfect example of the craftsmen and women of today using their craft to commemorate the skill and sacrifices of our forefathers” she added.
Ends
Further information and Images
Further information is available on the project website www.Ypres2016.com.
We are also on:
Twitter - @Ypres2016
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/poppycenotaph/?ref=ts&fref=ts
If you would like discuss the project further please contact Eira Rowe, Project Manager on 07989 419160 or at [email protected]
Artist Blacksmith Michelle Parker FWCB. is employing her craft alongside fellow blacksmiths and farriers from around the world to create a striking new First World War Cenotaph in Flanders, Belgium at the Ypres 2016 International blacksmithing event taking place in September.
Standing 7m tall, the simple metal slab of weathering steel weighing 12 tonne will feature the evocative image of a single Flanders poppy. At its base will be ‘planted’ a field of 2016 steel poppies in remembrance of all who suffered during the war, each handcrafted by blacksmiths from around the world.
"Ypres 2016 is a special project for all of us," Michelle said. "We, along with blacksmiths around the world have been busy making poppies, some will encircle the Cenotaph while others are being sold to raise funds for the project.”
“I am honoured and thrilled to be part of the Ypres 2016 event in Belgium. I’m looking forward to working with many talented smiths from around the world, renewing old friendships and forging new ones as we commemorate all those involved in The Great War."
Most people have a connection somewhere in their past to World War I. This is an opportunity for craftsmen all over the world to provide something for future generations and I’m proud to be able to contribute. It is also a unique opportunity for the public to see the creative making process and to engage with the project on different levels.”
Hundreds of blacksmiths and farriers from around the world will come together to create the Cenotaph in a weeklong event in Ypres, and once completed it will be installed adjacent to the German War Cemetery in Langemark-Poelkapelle, Flanders. The event will demonstrate the craft of blacksmithing and farriery, include live shoeing demonstrations, a children’s forging area, and lectures. An international exhibition of work by blacksmiths on the theme of transition will be part of the event, demonstrating their creativity with metal.
Blacksmiths and farriers played an important role during WW1, from repairing and maintaining equipment to shoeing the millions of horses which were a vital part of the war. Michael Morpurgo author of War Horse is a Patron of the event and has shown his support by recording a video for the crowdfunding campaign launched to raise funds for the project. Reflecting on recent international events Michael Morpurgo said “This truly is a unique project, and it is important because it’s the first Cenotaph for everyone in a time when we understand peace is so important.”
“Over £100k has already been raised to fund the project through donations and sponsorship, and we’re on target to raise the required sum. These beautifully crafted poppies have proved so popular we’ve made them available for individuals to buy. As they are made of metal they’re very robust but have a delicate quality. They have been galvanized and powder coated to give them a rust colouring, but it also means they are durable and suitable for indoors and outdoors” said Eira Rowe of the Ypres 2016 organising team. “Many of the 2016 poppies which will encircle the Cenotaph have already been sponsored by individuals in memory of loved ones through the www.Ypres2016.com website”
“It’s a perfect example of the craftsmen and women of today using their craft to commemorate the skill and sacrifices of our forefathers” she added.
Ends
Further information and Images
Further information is available on the project website www.Ypres2016.com.
We are also on:
Twitter - @Ypres2016
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/poppycenotaph/?ref=ts&fref=ts
If you would like discuss the project further please contact Eira Rowe, Project Manager on 07989 419160 or at [email protected]
Skill OneSed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusant doloremque laudantium, totam rem.
|
Skill TwoSed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusant doloremque laudantium, totam rem.
|
Skill ThreeSed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusant doloremque laudantium, totam rem.
|