Image: 'Spirituality' by printmaker Shona Branigan (c) National Trust ImagesThe House of Hues
Prints showing the tree’s rings will be exhibited at four locations along the span of Hadrian’s Wall.
A collection of five prints created from the trunk of the felled Sycamore Gap tree, which was one of the country’s most photographed, have gone on display today.
Entitled ‘Heartwood’, the prints display the rings of the tree, taken from a pressing of its trunk.
The National Trust has worked with printmaker Shona Branigan, who has previously made tree prints, to create the commemorative artworks.
The prints will be exhibited at four locations along the span of Hadrian’s Wall.
The fallen tree was unexpectedly felled last September. It was consequently removed from the site and has been looked after by the National Trust who is now working with partners and artists on approaches to continuing the tree’s long history.
Funded by North East Combined Authority and developed in collaboration with the National Trust, Northumberland National Park Authority, Hadrian’s Wall Partnership and Historic England, ‘Heartwood’ is the first official artistic response created in memory of the much-loved fallen Northumberland tree.


Five prints will be displayed at Newcastle City Library, Hexham Abbey – which will host two prints – Housesteads visitor centre on Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle Tourist Information Centre until the end of August, before display together at The Queen’s Hall, Hexham, from September until 19 October 2024.
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, said: “The Sycamore Gap tree was adored by so many, and it is through their memories, words and pictures that it lives on today. We wanted to create opportunities for the public to further connect with the tree, building on its significance and its place in people’s hearts.
Artist Shona Branigan said: ““The actual process of printing the Sycamore gap has been epic. It’s a really big piece and a slow process due to it all being done by hand, first creating a printable surface from the rough wood, then applying traditional inks, before beginning the slow process of printing using a bone folder tool so that I can reach every nuance of the surface.”
The National Trust is currently working with Shona to produce a special ‘Heartwood’ related print to go on sale.