Trench Art Brooch | Remembrance Poppy | Martin De Ruyter

These stunning Poppy brooches are all one of a kind, handmade and hand painted by Photographer and Artist Martin de Ruyter in Nelson, New Zealand. Layered with historical meaning and symbology, each piece of wearable art has been created in the tradition of Trench Art by repurposing .303 calibre bullets - the same calibre that was used in WW1 and WW2.

Martins’ late grandfather James (Jim) Fisher taught him the craft of trench art jewellery and Martin carries on that tradition today:

“I use the tools passed down to me from my grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather to create stylised poppies from used brass bullet shells.”  Martin de Ruyter

Trench art utilises materials at hand and soldiers at the front have often made things from bullet cartridges. The use of bullets to make the poppies is significant on multiple levels, most notably as the poppy is a symbol of remembrance and worn to commemorate not only those lost or wounded in conflict, but also civilian and animal casualties of war and those advocating for peace.

Details:
This beautiful range also includes Spitfires, Paper Planes and cufflinks available online: Here
Size: 4.5 to 5cm Diameter.
Hand painted Brass (repurposed Brass Bullet)