Paul Cummins took inspiration for the project from the will of a Derbyshire man who died during World War One
The artist behind the Tower of London poppies installation is being given an honorary degree by the University of Derby.
Paul Cummins, who was appointed MBE in the New Year Honours, is being made an Honorary Master of Arts.
He graduated from the university in 2010 with a BA (Hons) Craft degree and set up his own business, Paul Cummins Ceramics, based on Pride Park in Derby.
He is currently working on a PhD at the university.
Mr Cummins said he drew inspiration for the poppies installation, called Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, from a line in the will of a Derbyshire serviceman man who died in World War One.
Made in Derby
The installation marked the centenary of the outbreak of the war.
The 888,246 ceramic poppies - one for each British and colonial fatality - were handmade in Derby.
All of the poppies were sold, raising millions of pounds for six charities.
The installation was put together with theatre designer Tom Piper, who was also appointed MBE.
Mr Cummins will be given his honorary degree in a ceremony at Derby Arena later.
Paul Cummins was commissioned by the Arts Council to create a quintessentially English Flower Garden for the Cultural Olympiad of 2012
The Olympiad also featured an installation of ceramic flowers at Hardwick Hall, close to his hometown of Chesterfield, DerbyshireBBC News
