Artists shortlisted for Sycamore Gap memorial commission
Cast your votes from artists’ shortlist for new Sycamore Gap creation. Tony Henderson reports
A people’s vote will help select the artist who will create a new public artwork from the wood saved after the illegal felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in 2023.
The choice will be made from six shortlisted proposals, each offering a different vision for how the tree’s story, symbolism and memory can live on for future generations.
It follows Trees of Hope, where communities around the UK were invited to apply for one of the 49 saplings grown from seeds rescued from the original tree (and which have now been planted across the UK).
The winning proposal will form a major nationwide commission to honour what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to so many, while inspiring deeper connections between people and nature.
The national vote will make a 30% contribution to the final decision, with the rest decided by the competition judges.
Annie Reilly, public engagement director at the National Trust and chair of the judging panel, said: “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. It became more than a tree; it became part of the emotional landscape of the nation.
“We always wanted to make sure that the tree had an extraordinary legacy, and the wood is now ready for artists to work with, after being carefully stored so it could season over the past 28 months.
“This vote is now the opportunity for the public to help shape the ongoing story. 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.”
Sarah Munro, creative director at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead and a member of the judging panel, said: “Sycamore Gap has long been a symbol of connection - between people, place, and memory. We’re proud to support this commission, which ensures that this deeply loved landmark continues to inspire creativity and reflection.
“The Sycamore Gap tree belonged to everyone – to the region, of course, but also to all those who travelled to see it, walked the landscape, or simply admired it from afar. Opening the commission nationally reflects the global affection for the tree and the ambition to create a work of art that carries its story into the future.
“The shortlisted artists bring exceptional imagination, sensitivity and skill. Each offers a unique way of honouring the tree’s loss while celebrating its enduring place in our shared cultural memory.”
The six shortlisted artists or collaborations are:
Alex Hartley and Tom James, based in Devon & London – Viewpoint
Helix Arts x George King Architects, based in the North East – The People’s Tree, A Shared Story
Mary Dalton, based in Hampshire – Sycamore Gap Black
non zero one, based in London – SEEDS
Sam Williams Studio, based in Sussex – Stories of 1000 trees
Trigger, based in Bristol – Twirl
This new commission forms part of a wider public engagement programme responding to the felling of the tree supported by the Sycamore Gap Partnership Board, which includes Northumberland National Park Authority, Historic England, the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership and the National Trust.
Work to date includes the installation of the main section of the tree’s trunk at The Sill centre in the national park, the creation of Heartwood prints from a cross-section of the trunk by print maker Shona Branigan and now on display at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland as part of its tour of the north-east, and ongoing community partnerships, as well as the Trees of Hope initiative.
The public vote is now open and will close on March 28. Each person may cast up to three votes using a valid email address.
The winning artist will be announced later this spring. The work will be completed by 2028.