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66 year-old John Mould from East Molesey has served as a gardener
at the Royal Palace for nearly 50 years. The gardens and estates
manager, Graham Dillamore, said about him: “We were asked if we had
anyone suitable and we replied that we have just the right man.
John was honoured to do it and our team felt very proud to be
involved.”
The dismantling process began last Wednesday, one day after
Armistice Day. Mr. Mould’s colleagues from the Hampton Court
gardening force joined in the effort, and have so far removed about
40,000 poppies. Later, members of the crew from Kensington
Palace will also help with the removal of the commemorative
poppies.
The poppies from the installation have all been
purchased for £25 each. 10% of the profits per poppy will
be donated to charity, with six charities benefiting from
their sale.
‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ was a poignant art installation
at the Tower of London. Designed by John Cummins, it commemorated
100 years since the First World War, and featured 888, 246 ceramic
poppies – one for each British soldier who lost his life during the
conflict. It was unveiled on the 5th of August, and was visited by
a number of members of the Royal Family, including the Queen and Duke of
Edinburgh as well as The Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge along with Prince Harry, who each planted a
poppy.
To read more about the Tower of London poppy installation, click
here.
Photo Credit: ©Richard Lea-Hair and Historic Royal
Palaces]]>
