Poppy war memorial pair are honoured with MBE awards

The creators of the sea of poppies that drew huge crowds to the Tower of London to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War have been honoured.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Feb 2015, 21:46 BST
Ceramic artist Paul Cummins (left) and theatre designer Thomas PiperCeramic artist Paul Cummins (left) and theatre designer Thomas Piper
Ceramic artist Paul Cummins (left) and theatre designer Thomas Piper

Sculptor Paul Cummins, 
37, and theatre designer Tom Piper, 50, became MBEs for their work.

They thanked the Royal family for their support after being awarded their honours by the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

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Mr Cummins said: “I was really nervous, it is slightly surreal.”

The artists previously met William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in August when the royals toured the display of 888,246 ceramic poppies.

Mr Piper, from Chesterfield, said: “Once we had that royal visit it began to take off.”

Mr Cummins added that he was overwhelmed at the massive public reaction to the exhibit, saying “it was not expected at all”.

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Others being honoured yesterday included business and former Dragons’ Den investor James Caan, who became a CBE.

In Saturday’s magazine Tom Piper reveals details of his latest work, which is about to grace the stage of the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Related topics:MBETower of LondonCambridgeDuchess