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Photo left: Some of our generous donors at the event: John Hollingsworth (Community Foundation); Jane Greenshields (The Guy Readman Endowment Fund); Bruce Warnes (Shears Foundation); Anne Reece (Reece Foundation).
A year after the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, an innovative exhibition – funded by Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and featuring the largest section of the original tree’s wood – has opened at The Sill: National Landscape Recovery Centre in Northumberland. The Community Foundation were delighted to be in attendance on Friday 27 September for the opening, welcoming a number of donors who got involved.
The exhibition called ‘One Year On’, was funded by generous donors from the Community Foundation. The foundation provided £50,000 for the project, including from North East Roots fund, which enables people living elsewhere to give back to the region. The Linden Family, Michael and Christine Heppell and Duncan and Sarah Davidson funds at the Community Foundation are also contributing alongside a dedicated gift from Nadara.
Working in partnership with the Northumberland National Park Authority, the exhibition was developed by artist Charlie Whinney and Creative Communities CIC, having been commissioned in June.
Rob Williamson, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation, said:
“A year ago, I asked the National Park how we could help celebrate the Sycamore Gap Tree knowing a number of our donors, especially those giving to our North East Roots fund, would want to support a fitting legacy.
“We are delighted that some of those donors have come to The Sill today to see the fantastic work Charlie has created, made possible by their generosity. They have fully funded this legacy exhibition so visitors now and in the future will be able to celebrate this North East icon.”
Tony Gates, Chief Executive of Northumberland National Park Authority said:
“From the very beginning it was clear what people wanted us to do in response to the tragedy. They wanted us to help nature thrive, provide space for reflection and work with artists.
“Since then, all partners have worked diligently to ensure a fitting legacy for the tree in different ways. This new exhibition displays the largest piece of the trunk so that people can see and be with the tree and reflect on events over the last year. I would like to thank the National Trust and of course the Community Foundation for their generosity in allowing this commission to happen and for giving the opportunity for people to reconnect with the tree.”
You can make a promise or pledge as part of the exhibition here: https://www.thesill.org.uk/exhibition/sycamore-gap-one-year-on-exhibition/
