Public reaction to an artistic tribute to the felled Sycamore Gap tree has inspired hope for a lasting legacy.

North Yorkshire-based artist Lucy Pittaway has created a powerful and popular painting of the beloved tree against a Northern Lights backdrop.

Prompted by public demand and deeply moved by the loss of the historic icon, she pledged to plant a tree for each print sold.

She vowed to plant a tree for every print sold and the response was overwhelming, with almost 1,500 prints sold in just eight weeks.

Lucy, the UK's most popular published artist - as recognised by the Fine Art Trade Guild - now hopes to partner with a landowner to establish a new public woodland.

The Northern Echo: Artist Lucy Pittaway with the canvas of her painting of the Sycamore Gap treeArtist Lucy Pittaway with the canvas of her painting of the Sycamore Gap tree (Image: IAN CROSS)

She said: "The Sycamore Gap tree was one of the most iconic features of the Northern landscape and its felling has had a deep impact on many people.

"The tree can never be replaced but hopefully we can do something to ensure its legacy lives on."

She suggested that the newly formed woodland, could serve as both a recreational and educational space, possibly featuring a forest school for children to learn about nature, woodland walks, picnic spots, and spaces for tranquil reflection.

Although the artist has put forward potential concepts for how this woodland might appear, it remains an open canvas.

The site could potentially be a developed expansion or a novel addition to existing facilities, situated on public or privately owned land.

The only requirement is that the site must be accessible to the public.

Lucy, known for her distinctive style inspired by nature and significant life themes, recalls her own visit to Hadrian's Wall to see the Sycamore Gap tree during her childhood - and her children had also had the chance to see it just a few months before it was chopped down.

She said: "I was shocked to hear the news and we had several people get in touch to ask if I would paint an image of the tree, but I resisted at first as I didn’t want it to seem as if I was cashing in.

"My twins also raised the issue in conversation and asked me to paint the tree. Then, after receiving many requests from the public via email and messages on our social channels, I agreed to paint the tree but suggested we find a way of giving back.

“As a team we came up with the idea of planting a free for every print sold and also donating 10 per cent of the sale of the original to The Woodland Trust.”

The Northern Echo: Artist Lucy Pittaway and business manager Nicki Wilkinson with a sketch of the proposed new woodlandArtist Lucy Pittaway and business manager Nicki Wilkinson with a sketch of the proposed new woodland (Image: IAN CROSS)

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Nicki Wilkinson, business development manager who has previously managed two of the galleries, said: "The response has been phenomenal, firstly from people getting in touch to ask Lucy to paint something in memory of the tree and then secondly in response to the painting with almost 1,500 prints sold in the first eight weeks."

She added: "Hopefully something positive can come out of what has been such a sad event which has impacted so many people."

Landowners interested in collaboration can contact Ms Pittaway at marketing@lucypittaway.co.uk.