To mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, 72,396 shrouded figures will be laid out shoulder to shoulder across the South Park Lawn next to the ArcelorMittal Orbit at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this November.
Created by artist Rob Heard, the Shrouds of the Somme will cover an area of over 4,000 square meters. Each 12-inch figure, wrapped and bound in a hand-stitched shroud, represents a British serviceman who died at the Battle of the Somme who has no known grave.
The purpose of the work is to visually illustrate the enormity of the loss of life, but also to remember each soldier as an individual. Using records from the Commonwealth War Graves commission, each figure is associated with the name of a British (or Commonwealth) soldier who died at the Somme, with a name being crossed off the list with each completed figure.
Visitors entering the ArcelorMittal Orbit will have the opportunity to view the installation from the observation platforms and the outside observation walkway suspended 262ft above ground.
Group rates are available for groups of 30 or more, and include entry to the ArcelorMittal Orbit observation platform (not including the Slide), up to 4 hours’ coach parking at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and visit to the Shrouds of the Somme.
To find out more please email [email protected]
