A vision of a “corridor of poppy displays throughout the Annapolis Valley” is blooming. What began with two displays in 2023 has now expanded to three, growing larger in size and attracting interest from other communities.
During a trip to Europe to visit a relative’s grave at the Canadian War Cemetery in Vilanova, Italy, fibre artist Marie Meldrum knit a single poppy to place on her relative’s grave; she learned from the Canadian War Commission she would need to create one for each of the Canadians’ graves. Doing the work and laying all the knitted poppies ignited a passion and, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Meldrum observed an increase in stunning poppy displays across Europe, serving as poignant reminders of veterans’ sacrifices, both past and present.
A member of the Four Seasons Fibre Group at home in Kentville, Meldrum brought a poppy plan to her fellow knitters last year, and they set about crafting poppies for an outdoor display cascading down the exterior of the Kings County Museum in Kentville, while also collaborating with the Macdonald Museum in Middleton. Both museum’s 2023 installations received significant attention, amassing over 30,000 hits on social media from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. More importantly, they united a number of people and communities in crafting beautiful remembrances.
This year, Meldrum has once again rallied volunteers and members of the Four Seasons Fibre Group to create a new display for the Wolfville Legion, which has unveiled its display of 1,600 poppies in two 22-foot by five-foot cascades adorning the Legion’s entrance.
In Middleton, Claire Grazette, Macdonald museum director, aimed to grow its 2023 display from 1,385 poppies, aiming for 2,024 to reflect the year 2024; the initiative surpassed expectations, with approximately 2,200 handmade poppies donated. The museum’s display features a variety of textiles beyond knitwork, including felted, sewn and Indigenous beadwork; making each poppy unique. The display is installed inside the museum, arranged in a waterfall formation visitors may explore after its official unveiling November 1.
And, in Kentville, the Kings County Museum will re-hang its 2023 cascade displays with 2,000 hand-knit and crocheted poppies contributed by the Four Seasons Fibre Group and other volunteers.
“It’s an eye-catching tribute, and it’s incredibly meaningful to society as a form of remembrance,” says Ellen Lewis, Kentville museum director, who hopes to establish this as an annual tradition. The museum’s display was unveiled November 2.
Meldrum’s dream of a corridor of poppies has also piqued the interest of another museum. The Queens County Museum in Liverpool hopes to seed its own poppy display this year. Director Katie Kripp says, while it won’t be extensive, the museum wants to participate in the community campaign and model its display around a staircase leading to a larger historical exhibit commemorating past wars and local sacrifices. Schools and community volunteers have been invited to contribute to the inaugural poppy display, with hopes of future expansion.
As you travel through the Annapolis Valley this season, take a moment to appreciate these poppy displays and their beauty. More importantly, pause to remember what they signify and those they honour.
“I would love to see all community centres across the valley – such as fire halls, museums, legions and public buildings – displaying cascades of poppies in the years to come,” says Meldrum.
