Friday 10th October
Parts of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree could be used by artists to turn its loss into a "sense of hope".
The tree, which stood by Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland for more than 100 years, was felled in an act of vandalism by Cumbrian duo Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, who were subsequently jailed.
The National Trust is asking artists to bid to use about half of the timber from the felled tree to turn into artwork.
"This commission is a way of marking that iconic tree's legacy while continuing an important conversation about our collective relationship with nature," Annie Reilly, from the trust, said
Sycamore Gap attracted thousands of visitors each year and was a favourite subject of photographers and artists.
The National Trust said its commission "seeks to turn that loss into a sense of hope, creative possibility and reconnection with the natural world".
A piece of art using a large part of the trunk has already gone on show at The Sill visitor centre run by Northumberland National Park.
Ms Reilly said artists and organisations were invited to come up with proposals that would "inspire the public to connect with nature".
"It could be a design for a single artwork for one location, or several pieces or something more dispersed or participatory," she added.
Information on how to bid for the commission will be available on the National Trust website.
A shortlist will be drawn up, with the winner announced in February.
On the night of 27 September 2023, Graham and Carruthers travelled from Cumbria during Storm Agnes and, in the pitch black, felled the tree with a chainsaw before revelling in the subsequent outrage.
Following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the pair were each jailed for 3 years and 4 months after being convicted of criminal damage to the tree and Hadrian's Wall.
The act of senseless vandalism was shocking to people of Northumberland at the time as the tree was an iconic landmark up here. Ever since the tree was felled there have been suggestions regarding the use of the wood.
This commission sounds interesting and will hopefully produce a worthy result.
In the studio this week, I completed my Lakes of Lakeland paintings by adding some final highlight touches to make them ping. They need to be varnished when dry.
I also completed my final AITG commission of Embleton Bay on a 36”×24” canvas for a local lady who already has a large 36”×36” of the same subject.
I also varnished my final batch of paintings of Northumberland for Blagdon Gallery.
I sold more work at Jetty Gallery in Oban and they are still wanting more cards and watercolours as the tourists are still around.
I also sold several paintings at Buckinghams including my commission painting.
We had an interesting weekend at the Barn at Beal campsite in George. We got battered by Storm Amy on Friday night which made for a long, uncomfortable night being rocked and bounced around. The days, however, were beautiful and as usual the Island was spectacular. It is my favourite place in Northumberland. Apart from the “Luna and the dead seal” episode (see my Facebook post).
I always get inspiration from Lindisfarne. Our view over the causeway from George was worth waking up to. I can highly recommend The Bothy Bar and our food on Saturday night was really good. We will definitely go back and the site is open all year.
I have my “No Worry Watercolours “ workshop/demo for Longframlington Art Group on Friday which I will report on next week.