Sycamore Gap, a centuries-old tree towering over Hadrian’s Wall, is a world-famous sight, reflecting the wild beauty and unique history of Northumberland.
When it was felled in act of vandalism in September 2023, there was an unprecedented public response. People the world over reacted with sorrow to the news that this beloved tree would no longer form part of a visit to the UNESCO world-heritage site.
But, a newly opened exhibition, ‘Heartwood’ is inviting people to experience the magic of Sycamore Gap once more. It’s a must-see experience and certainly one to add to the itinerary for your next Northumberland break. Here’s everything you need to know:
The story behind the exhibition
After its felling, the 50ft sycamore tree was removed from the site and looked after by the National Trust. They joined with organisations including Northumberland National Park, Historic England and Hadrian’s Wall Partnership, to develop ways to protect the memory of Sycamore Gap.
Heartwood is the first official artistic response, created by north east printmater Shona Branigan. Tree planting initiatives and engagement work with local schools are planned to continue the legacy of this much-loved tree.
The Heartwood exhibition
Heartwood is made up of five prints, each taken from a cross-section of the heart-shaped trunk of the 200-year-old tree. Individually themed, named and coloured they are displayed at locations along Hadrian’s Wall.
The giant prints show each groove, ring and tiny detail of the wood and each print has a unique meaning with names linked to the tree and its ancient location. Knowledge is gold, Spirituality is ultramarine with purple and hansa yellow, Landscape is burnt umber with sap green and yellow ochre, and History is Venetian red and hansa yellow. The fifth print, Access, is hand pressed in a technique called blind embossing, creating a tactile experience on heritage rag paper.
The artist
Artist Shona Branigan used traditional methods and inks to create each hand-burnished relief print – taken from the precious disc of sycamore wood. Shona learned heritage printmaking techniques at Cherryburn, a National Trust location at nearby Mickley and the birthplace of world-renowned engraver, Thomas Bewick.
She said: “It is with wood printing specifically that my fascination with trees and their lives in the landscape is expressed. I felt privileged to be asked to print Sycamore Gap, and I also felt a responsibility to do my best so that I could honour not only the tree itself but all the people who loved the tree too. As a north easterner I have known Sycamore Gap all my life and visited regularly, the tree was such a haven in the wild landscape.”
How to visit
From July to 1st September 2024, the prints will be at four locations stretching along the route of Hadrian’s Wall; Newcastle City Library, Housesteads visitor centre on Hadrian’s Wall , Carlisle Tourist Information Centre and Hexham Abbey which will exhibit two prints. All of the venues are publicly accessible and free to enter.
From the 6th September until 19th October 2024, all five prints will be on display at The Queen’s Hall gallery in Hexham.
Find out more about the Heartwood exhibition here, each location is easily accessible from Chesters Stables in the tranquil Tyne Valley. Explore our luxury self-catering suites to turn your art tour into a peaceful stay in Northumberland.
