Public Ballot Launched for Sycamore Gap Tree Art Commission
The National Trust has officially unveiled six shortlisted artists and opened a public ballot to decide who will create a significant artwork from the wood of the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree. This initiative marks a crucial step in shaping the tree's legacy following its destruction over two years ago.
Voting Process and Decision Criteria
Voting commenced on Saturday and will remain open until March 28, allowing the public to select from six distinct artistic proposals. Each vision aims to preserve the tree's story, symbolism, and memory for future generations. The public's votes will contribute 30% toward the final decision, while a panel of nature and art experts will account for the remaining 70%.
Background of the Sycamore Gap Tree Felling
In September 2023, during Storm Agnes, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers from Cumbria travelled to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland and cut down the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree. This act of vandalism, targeting a tree believed to have been planted in the late 1880s, provoked widespread national outrage and profound grief.
Artistic Proposals and Shortlisted Artists
The shortlisted proposals include transformative artworks and sculptural installations using the tree's wood, as well as participatory projects that collect personal narratives, distribute carved seeds, foster climate discussions, or unite communities through song and remembrance. The six artists or collaborations are:
- 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)
National Trust's Perspective and Public Engagement
Annie Reilly, National Trust public engagement director and chairwoman of the judging panel, emphasised the tree's deep emotional significance. "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," she stated. "It became more than a tree; it became part of the emotional landscape of the nation."
Ms Reilly added that the vote offers the public a chance to "help share the ongoing story" and choose a proposal that resonates with their personal connection to the tree.
Current Status and Wider Initiatives
The wood has been stored to season for 28 months and is now ready for artistic use. The winning artist will be announced later in spring, with the final artwork expected by 2028. This commission is part of a broader public engagement programme supported by Northumberland National Park Authority, Historic England, the Hadrian's Wall Partnership, and the National Trust.
Additional efforts include installing the main trunk section at Northumberland National Park's gateway, displaying heartwood prints by printmaker Shona Branigan at Seaton Delaval Hall, and planting 49 saplings grown from rescued seeds across UK communities.
To participate, individuals can cast up to three votes using a valid email address via the National Trust's official website.
