In the historic gardens of the King’s School in Ely, Cambridgeshire, one of the UK’s largest and oldest London plane trees stands as a living testament to history. Believed to have been gifted by King Charles II to the Bishop of Ely more than 300 years ago, this majestic tree now faces the challenge of time, and a group of passionate artists is stepping in to help preserve it.
Around 90 creatives from across the UK have drawn inspiration from the tree, producing works that will be showcased in an exhibition next month. The goal? To raise the £60,000 needed to protect this historic giant.
David Day, chair of governors at the King’s School, has been at the forefront of the preservation effort since the school took custody of the tree in 2012. His commitment to the tree is personal and profound. “This tree has a strong heritage and a direct emotional impact on people,” Day explains.
“It’s not just about its history; it’s about ensuring future generations can also experience its beauty.”
One of the participating artists, painter Rachel Constantine, was drawn to the tree through her search for the oldest trees in the UK. Despite her extensive research, she admits, “I’ve seen nothing like this… it’s incredible.” Constantine’s work, along with that of other artists, will contribute to the exhibition aimed at raising awareness and funds for the tree’s preservation.
Among the other artists is Claire Valentine-Gibson, a painter and sculptor who traveled from Staffordshire to participate. Valentine-Gibson was captivated by the tree’s mystical presence. “It’s about transporting your mind from the mundane to the magical, and trees are very much part of that for me because of all their branches and their mysterious nature,” she says.
The tree, thought to have been planted around 1674, when it was already 10 years old, is not currently at risk of falling. However, like many ancient trees, it requires modern interventions to ensure its longevity. Plans are in place to replace its original cable bracing with updated support systems, allowing the tree to move naturally and strengthen over time. The University of Cambridge has also installed monitoring equipment to keep a close eye on its health.
For Cambridge artist Virginia Albutt, the chance to paint the tree was a rare and cherished experience. “I was amazed when I saw the tree, and I’ve enjoyed painting in a group for a change,” she shares.
As the exhibition approaches, there is a collective hope that the artistic efforts will not only raise the necessary funds but also bring more people closer to the tree’s magic. David Day’s enthusiasm reflects the sentiment of all involved: “We’re determined to do the right thing for the tree and preserve it for future generations.”
