A SCULPTURE of the Unknown Soldier surrounded by hundreds of floating poppies has been installed in Glasgow as part of Remembrance commemorations.
Titled Every Man Remembered, the artwork includes a brass sculpture encased in glass, with red poppies blown around inside.
Previously shown in London and Cardiff, it is now on display in George Square after coming to Scotland for the first time as part of this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal, run by Poppyscotland.
Designed by artist Mark Humphrey, it also forms part of a four-year drive to honour all 1,117,077 Commonwealth servicemen and women killed in the First World War, and will remain in place until November 13.
Poppyscotland chief executive Mark Bibbey said: “This stunning piece of art provides a focal point for members of the public to pay tribute to our servicemen and women, both past and present.
“The poppy continues to be a symbol of remembrance for those who have fallen, but it also serves as a reminder of the living who still need our support. In fact, one in eight veterans have a fundamental unmet need for support, and more than half suffer from a long-term illness or disability.
“We need the Scottish public to make their donation and wear their poppies with pride so that we can be there for our ex-servicemen and women when they call for back-up.”
Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty said: “The Every Man Remembered statue is a great way to raise awareness of those who gave their lives in the Great War as we continue to commemorate the conflict’s centenary.”
Meanwhile, actor Sir Daniel Day-Lewis is among the famous names to help relaunch a collection of books and associated items celebrating the work of war poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon.
The Oscar-winner has lent his voice to seven of Owen’s poems as part of Edinburgh Napier University’s relaunched War Poets Collection, with stage actor Nathaniel Parker, comic Ian McMillan, broadcaster Allan Little and author Dr Pat Barker also reading famous wartime works by Sassoon and others.
The collection is housed at the university’s Craiglockhart campus, which served as a hospital for shell-shocked servicemen from 1916-19. Owen and Sassoon met there during their treatment in 1917, and Owen wrote two of his best-known works, Anthem for Doomed Youth and Dulce et Decorum est, while resident there. A new bronze sculpture of Owen has been installed in the collection, alongside a poignant light projection paying tribute to the site’s war role that will illuminate the facade from tonight until Friday.
Catherine Walker, curator of Edinburgh Napier’s War Poets Collection, said: “Sir Daniel, Nathaniel, Allan, Ian and Pat have all given their time and expertise to support this project. Their distinctive voices have really brought the poems to life, giving our visitors an opportunity to hear and fully appreciate the poetry.”
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