Project Description

1 acre, 19240 wooden soldiers.

Planet Art artist in residence 2017. Creating a sculptural installation to commemorate the centenary of the start of the Battle of the Somme in northern France during the First World War. The battle raged along a 15-mile front for five deadly months, from July to November 1916. On the first day alone- 19,240 soldiers lost their life.

Planet Art engaged with visitors to the National Memorial Arboretum as well as schools, community centres, scouts, brownies, military personal from around the United Kingdom and northern France, working with over 19,240 people to create this temporary installation.

On the final day of the work Planet Art worked with Wolverhampton Youth theatre to create a performance remembering those soldiers who fought during this battle.