Shrouds of the Somme

I had been aware of this art installation but didn't realise it was set up so close to home. So John suggested we cycle down to the Olympic Park to see it and we went down there this morning.

Its a physical representation of every one of the 72,396 British Commonwealth serviceman killed at the Somme who have no known grave, and whose names are engraved on the Thiepval Memorial.That's just those who weren't found.

They are small figures wrapped in hand sewn cotton shrouds. Each one unique. All done personally by hand by the artist, Rob Heard. I was gazing in astonishment at the scale (see extras) and realised I was standing next to him. So we had a good chat and I had to take his picture.

What a fantastic achievement by Rob. A commemoration which was proving very popular with the crowd building up in mid-morning. It's already been on show around the country.

Then on to a Hackney caff for a cuppa and home. Well done to John for organising us to actually get there.