The UK’s only Remembrance Art Trail will be returning to Canary Wharf in association with the Royal British Legion to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One.
The 11-piece trail, created by British artist Mark Humphrey and commissioned by Canary Wharf Group, will debut four never-before-seen works – including a dedication to Nick Beighton, a British Paralympian, para-canoeist and former British Army Officer.
Humphrey’s Nick Beighton Part 1 and 2 showcases the inspiring story of how Beighton, injured upon return from war, overcame adversity to compete in the Paralympics and inspire millions across the country.
Alongside this and expected to take centre stage is the iconic ‘Every One Remembered’. The piece will be displayed at Canary Wharf for the first time and is returning to London after a four-year tour of the country. This is courtesy of the Royal British Legion, who commissioned Humphrey to produce the work in 2014.
The Trail opens to the public on Monday 29 October. Honouring the sacrifice and service of the armed forces during conflict, each unique artwork will have been installed by the Royal Engineers. Together, the pieces tell a powerful story of the consequences of conflict.
The artworks support various charities, military units and the British Armed Forces. Charities including Combat Stress and The Poppy Factory will be collecting donations and promoting the important work they do in Jubilee Place for the duration of the Canary Wharf Remembrance Art Trail.
Matt Maer, Group Security Director, Canary Wharf Group, said: “We are honoured to host the Remembrance Art Trail for a second time. The Poppy Appeal is strongly supported by those who live and work in the area and this is a beautiful tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. At Canary Wharf, we have an especially strong emotional tie to this event, with 65% of our security staff having been servicemen or women in the British Armed Forces prior to joining Canary Wharf Group. Service and sacrifice heavily resonates amongst our staff, so we are especially proud to host the exhibition on the Estate.”
Mark Humphrey, the British artist commissioned by Canary Wharf Group, commented: “The artworks attempt to connect our generations of service personnel, from the ‘Centenary Soldier’ an unknown Tommy from WW1 to ‘Nick Beighton’ a veteran from Afghanistan and paralympian. The trail confronts the idea about scars of war and healing in life, commemorating 100 years since the end of WW1.”
Catherine Davies, Head of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion, commented: “2018 marks the centenary of the end of the First World War and it is an important time to say thank you to that special generation who served and sacrificed so much to give us what we enjoy today in terms of social change, timeless works of art and pioneering innovations.
“We are very grateful to Canary Wharf for hosting the Remembrance Art Trail for a second time which is a poignant way of commemorating and remembering and for hosting the Every One Remembered Statue.
“In addition, with a few weeks to go until the end of the First World War centenary, the Legion has reissued a plea to the public to recognise the 1.1 million service men and women from the Commonwealth who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home. Over 800,000 people have already left messages of remembrance for their relatives, name sakes and strangers who died in the War. We want to see each and every one of these men and women individually commemorated. Leaving a tribute, however long or short, is an opportunity to take part in a truly historic and significant act of remembrance.”
The Royal British Legion will have a Poppy Shop pop up in Reuters Plaza, Canary Wharf, selling a range of products including jewellery, homewares and clothing. All profits go directly to the Royal British Legion.
For further information, please contact:
Press Office
Canary Wharf Group plc
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Notes to Editors
Exhibits:
- Lost Armies at Jubilee Park – a piece remembering the fallen and those who made sacrifices for countries who have fought for the British Armed Forces.
- Every One Remembered at Jubilee Plaza – thousands of poppies dedicated by the public throughout the UK flutter around the soldier, paying tribute to each and every one for their sacrifices made.
- ANA (Army, Navy & Airforce) Triptych at Adams Plaza – using parts of military transport vehicles from the British Armed Forces, this work displays poppies in an abstract form.
- Fallen Soldier at Cabot Square – this work remembers our servicemen and women from all conflicts.
- Point of Everyman’s Land at West Wintergarden – this piece delves into war in time and space, alongside moments of battle.
- Lost Soldiers at Montgomery Square – a work examining healing, remembering and forgiveness.
- Brothers in Arms at Crossrail Place Roof Garden – an exhibit demonstrating human sacrifice, comradeship and remembrance for all military conflicts.
- Nick Beighton Part 1 (Trauma To Champion: Windows Of The Soul) Hepatych, 2017-2018 in One Canada Square Lobby – a work about life’s trauma and triumphs, the resolve for resolution, searching deep into the soul, that death is not an option in the pursuit of illumination.
- Nick Beighton Part 2 (Tragedy To Triumph: Metamorphosis Of Life) Pentatych, 2017-2018 in One Canada Square Lobby – a work demonstrating the strength overcoming disaster, finding the power to heal, rebuild and stand strong. The ability to grow, develop and emerge into something beautiful.
- Jutland Capsule in Art Window, Canada Place – the poppy capsule floats on water, sinking beneath the waves over the shipwreck of HMS Invincible. The copper and brass memorial, full of heartfelt supporter messages, commemorates all sailors who fell at the Battle of Jutland, in the largest naval WW1 conflict
- Life Blossoms Again at Design Window, Canada Place – every time we see a poppy grow, we shall be reminded of an individual who made the ultimate sacrifice.
EVENT DETAILS:
Monday 29 October – Sunday 11 November
Throughout Canary Wharf
London
E14
FREE
About Canary Wharf Group:
Canary Wharf Group plc has overseen the largest urban regeneration project ever undertaken in Europe, designing and building more than 16.5m sq ft of London real estate, which now houses local and international companies and renowned retailers.
The Canary Wharf Estate is a major retail destination comprising around 1m sq ft across five shopping malls, including the award-winning leisure development, Crossrail Place, housing one of London’s most stunning roof gardens.
It also has world-class, year-round arts and events programme offering over 200 diverse and culturally inspiring events performed throughout the Estate.
Canary Wharf Group is a wholly owned joint venture between Brookfield Property Partners and the Qatar Investment Authority.
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