The last of the Tower of London poppies has been “picked” and the ceramic blooms are now on their way to their new owners.
There were 888,246 of the flowers in total, which together made up the ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ installation.
This time-lapse video shows the process of carefully removing the poppies – a feat involving 11,000 volunteers.
Every single flower was sold for £25 and the funds raised are to be donated to six different service charities.
Each poppy that filled the famous moat represented a British fatality during the First World War and the moving spectacle attracted more than 5million visitors
Huge demand from the public triggered a campaign to extend the lifespan of the installation by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper until the end of November.
The poppies each represented a British fatality during the First World War
It had been due to stay on view from 5 August – the day Britain became involved in the First World War 100 years ago – up to 11 November, or Armistice Day.
Instead of being simply removed for good, the installation will now be dismantled and taken on tour to areas across the country until 2018.
The tour will be funded with donations from the Backstage Trust and the Clore Duffield Foundation, as well as £500,000 from the Government.
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- Tower Of London Poppies Spectacularly Displayed At Dusk As Boris Johnson Fights For Them To Stay