Move and Sketch in Tower of London

Move and Sketch at Tower of London

Saturday 31 May 2025 | 13:00 - 15:00

Trapped in Zone One are hosting a physical meets creative activity to mark World Mental Health Day with a walk at the Tower of Londoon, exploring the heritage site and sketching the ceramic poppies installed in the greenspaces as a group based creative activity.

Background to 2025 Poppies Commemorative Display

The new commemorative display of ceramic poppies installed at the heart of the Tower of London marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The display will have nearly 30,000 of the original poppies, made for the 2014 installation, ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, return to the Tower, marking the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War.

The commissioned installation resembles a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz. Poppies pours across the lawn overlooked by the ancient White Tower, where the blood-red flowers will form a crater, with ripples flowing outwards.

On display within the Tower’s walls, the installation creates striking images, reminding us of loss through war, and of the long-lasting impact of conflict. It creates a shared space for visitors to remember and reflect on the collective sacrifice of so many in this important anniversary year.

The poppies were designed and made by the artist, Paul Cummins. The new display has been created by the designer, Tom Piper.

About World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October.

Poor mental health is not inevitable, and World mental Health Day is an opportunity for us all to talk about mental health and consider how, together, we can help everyone have better mental health.

This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is access to services - mental health in catastrophes and emergencies. The theme highlights the importance of people being able to protect their mental health whatever they're going through, because everyone deserves good mental health.

The aim of our session is to improve confidence in walking on a more regular basis, boost mental wellbeing and give participants safe opportunities for social interaction. By hosting this session will aim to merge creative medium of sketching on the move engaging with participants, who are often inactive, make physical activity part of their daily routine exploring greenspaces in London.

ON THE DAY

Please arrive on time at the meeting point area: Community Group area next to booking office at Tower of London (Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB).

If you have any issues on the day, contact 07870 590402.

This workshop will be outdoor, we ask you to dress for the weather.

We ask all attendees to bring their own art material of a sketchbook, pencils, eraser, and sharper as a means of continuing the activity in your time after the session creating your own Move and Sketch plan. If you do require assistance with materials, contact us prior to attending the activity.

Book Now

Please book one time slot per person. Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your booked slot. These sessions are designed for adults as an introduction to walking and sketching whilst exploring greenspaces in London.

Tickets are donation based (Pay What You Can), if you have difficulties with booking please contact us and we'd be happy to assist and reserve a place for you.

Walk-ins will not be accepted. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or please get in touch with us to allow another person(s) a chance to take part.

Donate to Move and Sketch!

Move and Sketch sessions are free and with donation to attend as part of our community initative to help everyone get out, get active and make their lives better. You can now support the our work and make a donation on our website here.

Important Filming and Photography Notice

Please note that filming and photography will be taking place at this event. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the Trapped in Zone One website, social media channels, and reporting with project funders.

Undecided? Check out some of the feedback from participants from previous workshops:

'It improved my wellbeing, it made me feel happier and calmer. Being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air, paying attention to my surroundings, being in the moment.'

'This event has enabled me to do more walking than usual. People have been very kind and someone always walked with me even though quite slow. Very grateful to everyone at Trapped in Zone One. Have been to a few events now but originally found whilst scrolling for something to do on eventbrite.'

'My mood is uplifted and feel glad to enjoy afternoon outside.'

'It was fun to sketch and learn about the history. It was really mindful. Learning about the history of Tower Bridge and of course observing the little details and drawing from top of the tower. Also, meeting people and finding these great pockets of communities around London.'

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Info: Meeting point at Tower of London with attendance check-in and introduction

Info: Walking session exploring Tower of London followed by a sketching activity of a chosen area of the site.

Info: Feedback gathering of the session with group.

Host or Publisher Trapped in Zone One