Part of the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner was filmed on a stretch of Hadrian’s Wall which has a Sycamore Tree growing in the dip. As a result, it is often referred to as Robin Hood’s Tree.
I once painted the scene in winter for a charity Christmas card which proved to be very popular. On this occasion I decided to paint it set against the backdrop of summer sunlit clouds. It’s an unusual composition but that’s because it’s such an unusual scene. For those who love to walk Hadrian’s Wall, it’s a familiar sight and often a talking point. If I ever take the Military Road, which has to be one of the best drives in the UK, I allow myself a quick glance to see the lone tree standing in the gap.
The original watercolour was sold during lockdown. Since first writing this blog I’ve re-visited this scene. It’s one of the step by step watercolour demonstrations for the charity Junction 42. I’ve put together a range of landscapes and seascapes for men and women in UK prisons. These “In Cell”projects have been a real help for the prisoners, particularly during lockdown.