Bermuda-based Catlin Group will partner with the Tower of London and Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that manages the Tower, to commemorate the start of the First World War with a remarkable art installation.

The first of more than 800,000 ceramic poppies — each representing a British and Commonwealth military death during the ‘Great War’ — was ‘planted’ yesterday by one of the Tower of London’s Yeoman Warders (popularly known as ‘Beefeaters’) in the Tower’s dry moat. When completed on Armistice Day on 11 November 2014, the art installation, titled ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, will include 888,246 poppies.

The ceramic poppies can be purchased by the public for £25 each (plus postage), beginning on August 5. All net proceeds from the sales will be shared equally among six service charities.

A team of more than 8,000 volunteers across the United Kingdom, including teams of Catlin employees, will install the poppies over the coming months. As the poppies are installed, they will encircle the Tower, creating an evocative display visible from all sides of the landmark as well as an inspiring setting for learning activities related to the First World War.

Catlin CEO Stephen Catlin said: “The centenary of the start of the First World War gives all of us the opportunity to look back, both to remember those who tragically lost their lives but also to reflect on how we can work together to prevent future armed conflicts.

“We at Catlin are proud to work with the Tower of London to present what will be a moving tribute to those who sacrificed so much from 1914 to 1918. I hope everyone will have the opportunity to view what will be a beautiful memorial.”