It is still strange to look out at Sycamore Gap and not see the tree silhouetted against the dusky Northumbrian sky, and we can’t believe that it was a year go this evening that the iconic symbol of Northumberland was felled. It will live on not only in our memories, in the huge number of photographs taken by so many people and the many local businesses (including Layside) that use its image as a logo. It will also live on around the country, as each National Park has now been gifted with a sapling grown from seeds taken after the tree was felled – and I can’t think of a better tribute and legacy.
There were many opinions as to what should take the place (if anything) of the tree, but signs of new life emerging from the stump give hope that it will regrow again and take its place once more in this incredible landscape.
An exhibition that will feature the largest section of the wood from the tree and provide space for people to process what happened and move forward positively will open at the Sill Visitor Centre tomorrow (Saturday 28th September) to mark the one year anniversary. The idea is about *positively reframing what happened to the tree, to nurture meaning and beauty that survives amid a pointless act. The art centres on the themes of people, place and hope and the artists hope that the works helps people come to terms with the event and take positive action in replacement of destruction*.
https://www.thesill.org.uk/exhibition/sycamore-gap-one-year-on-exhibition/