National Assembly marks Remembrance in partnership with The Royal British Legion

The Senedd will become the focal point of Remembrance in Wales over the coming days as the award-winning Welsh sculptor, Andrew Cooper installs his newest piece, Nomansland. Supported by The Royal British Legion and the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, the installation will be open to the general public from Saturday 8 November until Tuesday 11 November.

The duration of the installation will culminate on Tuesday 11 November in the tolling of the National Assembly bell to begin the traditional Two Minute Silence at 11:00 a.m. with Assembly Members congregating in the Oriel area.

Commenting on the Remembrance activity the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, said:

“The National Assembly in partnership with The Royal British Legion welcomes this opportunity to mark Remembrance through creating this solemn space for personal reflection and remembrance. Members of the public are also welcome to join with us to mark our Two Minute Silence on the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month”.

‘Nomansland’

Andrew Cooper’s Nomansland installation explores the Armistice and the events of Remembrance through a field of red; with poppies suspended from tears of blood, infinitely reflected in mirrors. Lost in a myriad of red, participants find themselves in a space for meditation, physical response and remembrance.

The Royal British Legion has been working closely with the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales to ensure that this unique memorial to those who lost their lives in past and present conflicts can be viewed and experienced by the public.

Notes to Editors:

• For attendance on the day or interviews with the artist, please contact Dave Hoare on 029 2046 531 or  dave.hoare@wa.grayling.com

• Saturday, 8 November – Tuesday, 11 November – Installation open for public viewing. Opening hours of the Senedd is as follows:

  • Saturday – Sunday, 8 – 9 November - 10:30 – 16:30 hrs

  • Monday, 10 November  - 08:00 – 16:30 hrs

  • Tuesday, 11 November – 08:00 – 20:00 hrs

• Tuesday, 11 November – The Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM will make a short speech before the National Assembly bell is rung to begin the Two Minute Silence.

• The installation from the outside has the look of a large wooden crate - 8ft (width) x 12ft (length) x 8 ft (height). As viewers enter the crate an optical illusion created by the use of mirrors gives the impression that the viewer is surrounded by an infinite field of poppies. The optical illusion of the poppies has been described as ‘an emotionally charged landscape’ which allows the viewer time for personal reflection and remembrance in a calm space. Below is a picture of inside the installation: