In a poignant move to commemorate the Sycamore Gap tree, which was brutally felled in 2023, the National Trust has launched a public voting initiative to select an artist who will craft a lasting artefact from its timber. This comes after a national outcry over the destruction of the beloved landmark, and the public is urged to participate in shaping its legacy through their votes.
A Call to Creatives
Following a September appeal, the National Trust sought creative proposals for a “nationally important” commission that would utilise half of the wood from the iconic tree. On Saturday, six shortlisted artists were unveiled, each presenting unique visions to encapsulate the tree’s story and significance for future generations. The public ballot, which runs until 28 March, allows voters to influence 30 per cent of the final decision, while an expert judging panel will account for the remaining 70 per cent.
The Sycamore Gap tree, a striking feature along Hadrian’s Wall, was thought to have been planted in the late 1880s. Its tragic felling by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers during Storm Agnes ignited a wave of grief and anger across the nation. Annie Reilly, National Trust’s public engagement director and chair of the judging panel, reflected on the emotional resonance the tree held for many: “Over the past two years, we’ve heard extraordinary stories about what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to people – from moments of celebration and milestones to quiet memories of loss, connection and reflection.”
The Shortlist of Artists
The shortlisted proposals showcase a diverse range of artistic interpretations, from transforming the timber into sculptures to creating community-focused projects that invite personal stories and foster conversations about climate change. The artists in contention include:
– **Alex Hartley and Tom James** (Devon and London)
– **Helix Arts x George King Architects** (North East)
– **Mary Dalton** (Hampshire)
– **non zero one** (London)
– **Sam Williams Studio** (Sussex)
– **Trigger** (Bristol)
Each proposal is designed to honour the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree in a distinct way, allowing the public to engage with the narratives that have emerged since its loss.
Art and Community Engagement
This initiative extends beyond mere artistry; it is part of a broader public engagement strategy supported by several organisations, including Northumberland National Park Authority and Historic England. As part of this programme, the main trunk of the felled tree has been installed at the gateway to Northumberland National Park. Additionally, heartwood prints from a cross-section of the trunk, created by printmaker Shona Branigan, are currently on display at Seaton Delaval Hall.
Moreover, communities across the UK were invited to apply for one of 49 saplings grown from seeds salvaged from the original tree, symbolising a new beginning and a connection to the past.
How to Vote
Members of the public can cast their votes—up to three per person—using a valid email address at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sycamore-gap-commission. This engagement not only allows individuals to voice their preferences but also to contribute to a narrative that pays homage to an irreplaceable part of England’s natural heritage.
Why it Matters
The initiative to memorialise the Sycamore Gap tree through art serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preserving natural landmarks, which often hold profound emotional and cultural significance for communities. As we engage in this selection process, we are not merely voting for art; we are participating in a collective healing journey, ensuring that the story of the Sycamore Gap tree continues to resonate through generations to come. This act of remembrance, driven by public involvement, underscores our shared responsibility to cherish and protect the natural world.
