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Prince & Princess of Wales

Prince William awards MBE to Tower of London poppy artists

After the hugely successful ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ at the Tower of London, creators of the art installation, sculptor Paul Cummins, 37, and theatre designer Tom Piper, 50, were given MBEs (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Prince William at Buckingham Palace.

Paul Cummins, from Chesterfield, received his MBE for services to art and First World War commemorations.

Tom Piper, from London, received his for services to theatre and First World War commemorations.

The creators had the Royal Family to thank after accepting their awards, stating that the visits from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as Prince Harry were pivotal to the displays success.

“The Duke congratulated me on the installation and the impact it had on society… I said he was part of it because he, Harry and Kate came in August and that was really the beginning of the whole growth of it… Up to that point people had been interested in it, but I think once we had that royal visit it began to take off and people began to realise what it was about.” said Piper who has also worked on a currently touring theatre production of The King’s Speech.

The installation consisted of 888,246 ceramic poppies “planted” in memory of each British and Colonial fatality during the World War One.

Each poppy has since been sold for £25, for a grand total of approximately £8 million. The proceeds have gone to Cobseo, Combat Stress, Coming Home, Help For Heroes, The Royal British Legion and SSAFA. All charities which were associated with the project.

While some of the poppies did appear on sites such as eBay, it is believed most people bought one in honour of a family member. Even Cummings had to purchase his own creations.

“I bought five for my five daughters as something they will have as a memento. I think most people have done that.”

The art installation was viewed by millions from across the country, with the most popular day being Armistice Day on November 11.

photo credit: © Chloe Howard 2014