Ceramic artist Paul Cummins and theatre designer Tom Piper have both been awarded MBEs in the 2015 New Year’s Honours list. The awards were made in recognition of their Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London, which marked the centenary of the outbreak of the first world war.
The installation of 888,246 ceramic poppies attracted over five million visitors between August and November last year, with sections of the work now set to tour the UK following a campaign to keep the original installation open.
Cummins said he was “taken aback” but “extremely happy to receive this unexpected honour” and added his thanks to the team of volunteers that made the project possible, saying they “should also feel a part of this MBE”.
Piper, who was responsible for the theatrical setting of Cummins’ ceramic flowers, added: “I am extremely proud of the part I have played in this unique collaboration. It has been a real privilege to co-create an artwork which has meant so much to so many people.”
Services to the arts
Also recognised in the New Year’s Honours for services to the arts were outgoing Arts Council England chief executive Alan Davey and artistic director of the Southbank Centre, Jude Kelly.
Davey, who is appointed CBE, commented recently in his ACE farewell message “cherish the Arts Council – it’s a good, a great thing,” and added that the Arts Council should “continue to be open to ideas and possibilities, be the great public servants you are – serving artists and audiences with dedication and care.”
Kelly, who, alongside her work at Southbank Centre is founder and chair of multi-disciplinary arts organisation Metal, is also appointed CBE. Metal supports artists through residencies and professional development projects in Liverpool, Peterborough and Southend-on-Sea and also manages the annual Liverpool Art Prize.
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