Sycamore Gap Print, Hadrians Wall | Prints of Northumberland – Alan Reed
Sycamore Gap
In September 2023, the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was cut down. It’s memory lives on through a beautiful painting by Alan Reed, which serve as a heartfelt tribute to this beloved tree.
A Symbol of History and Beauty
The Sycamore Gap tree, an iconic Sycamore that stood in a dramatic dip in Hadrian’s Wall, captured the hearts and imaginations of people from all over the world. Its striking appearance, made it an unforgettable sight for those who visited Hadrian’s Wall.
Hadrian’s Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years. Built by the Roman army on the orders of the emperor Hadrian following his visit to Britain in AD 122. At 73 miles (80 Roman miles) long, it crossed northern Britain from Wallsend. The most famous of all the frontiers of the Roman empire, Hadrian’s Wall was made a World Heritage Site in 1987.
The Heartbreaking Farewell
News of the cutting down the tree sent shockwaves through the global community. It was a heartbreaking moment for those who had admired and cherished this tree. Its loss left a void in the landscape, a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
The Sycamore Gap Watercolour: A Timeless Tribute
Besides the grief that accompanied the felling of the Sycamore Gap, Alan Reed found solace in preserving the memory of this iconic tree. Alan captured the Sycamore Gap in all its glory, painstakingly detailing every branch and leaf. And expertly recreating the subtle interplay of light and shadow in their artwork.
The resulting watercolour painting stands as a poignant tribute to a beloved tree. It encapsulates the beauty and grandeur of the Sycamore Gap, ensuring that its memory lives on.
An earlier version of Sycamore Gap in watercolour was previously sold
To share this beautiful tribute with a broader audience, limited edition prints of the Sycamore Gap watercolour are available. Each print signed and numbered, faithfully reproduces the watercolour’s intricate details, ensuring that its essence is preserved for future generations.
These prints provide an opportunity for people to own a piece of this iconic tree’s history.
The Original Watercolour and its prints stand as a lasting tribute to a tree that captured the hearts of many. While the Sycamore Gap may no longer grace Hadrian’s Wall, its memory lives on in the form of this exquisite artwork.
It serves as a reminder of the impermanence of natural beauty and the importance of cherishing the remarkable treasures of our world.
This watercolour is more than just a painting; it’s a testament to the enduring impact of nature on our lives and the legacy of a tree that will never be forgotten.
Besides this new watercolour, previous paintings of the scene can be seen here.
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.
View the painting here.