Beauty of Sycamore Gap brought to life by Heartwood exhibition

The National Trust approached printmaker, Shona Branigan, to create the commemorative artworks from a disc of the trunk of the iconic tree.

The Artist

Shona Branigan is an artist printmaker working from a studio in Grizedale Forest, creating wood prints, wood engravings, woodcuts and Drypoint.

Shona says, “It is with wood printing specifically that my fascination with trees and their lives in the landscape is expressed and this is what drives my work.

The first step in creating a print like Heartwood is to create a printable surface from the rough wood, sanding smooth and then a light burn, wire brushed away to reveal a raised surface.

I apply traditional inks - linseed oil and pigment the way they have been made for hundreds of years. The paper is laid on top of the inked surface and I begin the slow process of printing by hand. I use a bone folder tool so that I can reach every nuance of the surface. The paper becomes embossed with the 3D shape of the wood as well as the patterns of the different cells.

Now I am able to see and feel with my fingers, the life of the tree. It is natural, beautiful, and reveals in visual form the mystery and love I have for trees. It may seem strange, but I feel I am printing for them.”

The context

Shona's prints are all inspired by the feelings and thoughts that arose from the loss of the Sycamore Gap tree. Shona explains her colour choices thus:

Knowledge - Gold
"I have printed the tree in gold ink in homage to the practice of alchemy throughout human history."

Spirituality – Blue
"Blue is associated with the heavens, and I have printed the tree with ultramarine ink and the addition of iridescent electric blue, purple and Hansa yellow watercolours."

Access – White
"Hand pressed onto heritage rag paper without the addition of ink, known as Blind Embossing, this tree print is designed to be a tactile experience for all. The print invites touch with the lines of the tree able to be felt."

Landscape – Burnt Umber
"The tree rings are the embodiment of the landscape in tree cellular form, and I enhance this relationship by using earth colours in the printing and watercolour painting on top.

Printed in burnt umber ink and with sap green and yellow ochre watercolour enhancing the  shape of the landscape the tree grew within. Umber is a natural earth pigment consisting of Iron Oxide and Manganese Oxide and is considered one of the oldest pigments known to humans."

History – Venetian Red
"I have printed the tree in Venetian red and the addition of Hansa yellow deep These are the colours of the Roman centurions’ shields and also the flag of Northumberland."

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. 

“Heartwood will be a space for just that, for people to respond and engage with Shona’s exceptionally beautiful artworks that capture the very essence, the ‘heart’ of the treasured tree.”  

Where to see Heartwood

All five prints have been brought together on Level 5, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle until Sunday 26 January 2025.