A collection of five bespoke tree prints entitled ‘Heartwood’, created from an around 90cm diameter disc of the trunk of the felled iconic Sycamore Gap tree, have gone on public display.
The National Trust approached printmaker Shona Branigan, known for her detailed and evocative tree prints, to create the commemorative artworks that will be exhibited at four locations along the span of Hadrian’s Wall.
The fallen tree, which towered 50-foot above Hadrian’s Wall before it was felled last September, was removed from site and has been looked after by the National Trust in a safe location while the charity works with its various partners and artists to ensure there is an enduring legacy of the tree informed by the huge public response to its loss.
From Monday 15 July five prints are being displayed at four locations:
All venues are publicly accessible and free to enter.
The exhibition will run until 1 September 2024 before all five prints will go on display together at The Queen’s Hall, Hexham, from 6 September until 19 October 2024.
Individually themed, named and coloured, the giant tree prints show every tree ring, groove and detail from the cross-section of the almost heart shaped trunk of the 200-year-old tree.
Funded by North East Combined Authority and developed in collaboration with the National Trust, Northumberland National Park Authority, Hadrian’s Wall Partnership and Historic England, ‘Heartwood’ is the first official artistic response created in memory of the much-loved fallen Northumberland tree.
Following the unprecedented public response and outpouring of emotion to the tree’s felling last September, the organisations have together developed a programme of legacy work from the thousands of suggestions for ways in which to remember the historical landmark.
Through three emerging themes, ‘Nature Response’, ‘Space for Reflection’, and ‘Artistic Response’, people will be encouraged to connect, reflect and remember the iconic tree in positive and meaningful ways.
More details will be shared in the coming months as it approaches one year on from the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree and will include engagement work with local schools, tree planting initiatives in the North East, digital legacies and further artistic interpretations.
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, said: “The Sycamore Gap tree was adored by so many, and it is through their memories, words and pictures that it lives on today.
"We wanted to create opportunities for the public to further connect with the tree, building on its significance and its place in people’s hearts.
“Heartwood will be a space for just that, for people to respond and engage with Shona’s exceptionally beautiful artworks that capture the very essence, the ‘heart’ of the treasured tree.”
Memories of Sycamore Gap 'live on'
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added: “Our iconic tree can never be replaced but this beautiful artwork allows its memory to live on.
“The loss of the Sycamore Gap tree was a devastating moment for me and for so many others across the region and the world. I’m so pleased that something positive can come from this and that communities have been part of developing the exhibition.”
Cllr Marion Williams, Cabinet member for a Sustainable City at Newcastle City Council said: “We are honoured to host today’s event to launch this exhibition, and to have one of these beautiful tree prints displayed in Newcastle.
“I hope many people take the opportunity to come and view it, and I know the library was specifically chosen as it is such an accessible and welcoming place.
“We know that the felling of the tree at Sycamore Gap affected people from across the world, but it was in our region where people have the strongest connection with it and where we saw the largest outpouring of emotion.
“It is therefore very fitting that the National Trust has chosen the four locations across the region for their first exhibition in memory of the much-loved tree. A great celebration of its beauty and legacy that can be enjoyed in our city.”
The National Trust is currently working with Shona to produce a special ‘Heartwood’ related print to go on sale in due course. Details on how to purchase a print will be announced by the National Trust on social media later in the year.
Opening times
People are encouraged to check individual opening times for each of the ‘Heartwood’ exhibition venues before visiting. For information about City Library's opening times see:
For more details about the exhibition and which tree print is in each location see: