Bids invited to turn Sycamore Gap timber into art

The Sycamore Gap tree was a favourite subject for photographers and artists

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

Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were each jailed for four years and three months

Sycamore Gap attracted thousands of visitors each year and was a favourite subject of photographers and artists.

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 four years and three months after being convicted of criminal damage to the tree and Hadrian's Wall.

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.