In a poignant response to the tragic felling of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree, the National Trust has opened a public vote to select one of six talented artists who will create a lasting artwork from the tree’s timber. This initiative allows the public to engage with the legacy of a tree that became emblematic of the emotional landscape of the nation, following its destruction in 2023.
A National Call for Artistic Vision
The National Trust’s call for a “nationally important” artistic commission follows the shocking act of vandalism that saw the Sycamore Gap tree, a cherished landmark on Hadrian’s Wall, cut down during Storm Agnes. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, were sentenced for this act, which sparked widespread outrage and grief across the UK.
In a bid to honour the tree’s memory and significance, the Trust invited artists and agencies to propose ideas for the use of half of the felled tree’s wood. After a rigorous selection process, six finalists have been chosen, each presenting distinct visions that encapsulate the tree’s story and its impact on the collective consciousness.
The Shortlist of Artists
The shortlisted artists include a diverse array of creative minds: Alex Hartley and Tom James from Devon and London, Helix Arts collaborating with George King Architects from the North East, Mary Dalton from Hampshire, non zero one from London, Sam Williams Studio from Sussex, and Trigger from Bristol. Each proposal aims to transform the timber into artworks or initiatives that resonate with the community’s connection to the tree.
Public voting is now open until 28 March, with the outcome comprising 30% of the final decision, while a panel of art and nature specialists will contribute the remaining 70%. Annie Reilly, the National Trust’s public engagement director, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Each of the six proposals honours the tree in a different way, and we want people to choose the idea that captures what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to them.”
Community Engagement and Legacy
This artistic venture is part of a broader public engagement programme supported by several organisations including Northumberland National Park Authority, Historic England, and the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership. The main section of the tree’s trunk has been preserved and installed at the gateway to Northumberland National Park, creating a tangible connection to the site where it once flourished. Moreover, heartwood prints crafted by printmaker Shona Branigan are currently displayed at Seaton Delaval Hall, offering additional ways for the public to engage with the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree.
In a further effort to honour the tree’s memory, communities across the UK were invited to apply for one of the 49 saplings grown from seeds collected from the original tree. These saplings have now been planted in various locations, allowing the spirit of the Sycamore Gap to continue to thrive.
How to Participate
Members of the public can vote for their preferred artistic proposal by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sycamore-gap-commission, where they can cast up to three votes using a valid email address. As the voting period runs, anticipation builds for the announcement of the winning artist, expected later this spring, with the final artwork projected for completion by 2028.
Why it Matters
The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree was not merely an act of vandalism; it represented a profound loss for a community that had woven the tree into the fabric of their lives. This artistic endeavour not only commemorates the tree but also invites collective reflection on nature’s significance in our lives. By engaging the public in this creative process, the National Trust fosters a sense of ownership and connection, ensuring that the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree will endure for future generations to appreciate and celebrate.